McMahon secures point in final game
MACCLESFIELD Town started the new year by securing a point away at Vale Park in a fiercely contested derby on New Year’s Day in what turned out to be Daryl McMahon’s final game in charge.
Two goals in as many minutes for Macc looked to have turned the tide of the game after David Worrall’s opener, but Vale hit back through David Amoo to claim a point.
Macc could have snatched all three points at the death, but Fraser Horsfall’s effort was cleared off the line following some desperate Vale defending.
The Silkmen started the better of the sides with early efforts from Arthur Gnahoua and Joe Ironside troubling the Vale backline.
Joe Ironside looked to have headed Macc ahead just past the ten-minute mark, but his diving header clipped the crossbar on its way over.
This proved costly moments later as
David Worrall’s cross floated over Owen Evans and into the back of the net to hand Vale an unlikely lead.
The opener gave
Vale new impetus and they almost doubled their advantage through Jake Taylor, but his effort was well saved by Evans.
The second half began with Macc imposing themselves on the match and putting the Vale backline under constant pressure; and this paid off when the ball fell to Jay Harris who unleashed a fierce drive into the top corner from distance to bring us level.
We found ourselves ahead just two minutes later, as Joe Ironside did well to turn and fire the ball past a helpless Scott Brown to give us the advantage our play had merited.
Vale stepped up their game following Ironside’s goal and the match would be level once more just five minutes later as David Amoo fired home to restore parity.
David Worrall looked set to volley Vale ahead for the second time with less than ten minutes remaining, but his powerful effort was straight at Owen Evans despite seeming to have the time to pick his spot.
The Silkmen would have one more chance to snatch all three points, but Fraser Horsfall would be denied a goal as his shot was clawed off the goal line as Macc piled on the pressure in the final minutes.