Race for title

try bonus point but Macc were as good in defence as they were in attack, spoiling set pieces and repelling carriers and when the ball was turned over just short of the Macc line on 78 minutes, Macc could consider their defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season, avenged.

In truth, Macclesfield rarely looked troubled as they defended so well and in attack just looked ferocious, building phase after phase from deep.

The pack was colossal and the backs were piercingly sharp.

Not to tempt fate but the Priory Park side look like they have clicked, and could yet perhaps go up a gear.

A star man is difficult to pick out as everyone contributed but Josh Redfern gets our vote as he was energetic and powerful in defence and attack, with an honourable mention for Sam Broster who probably had his best game of the season.

Head Coach Andy Appleyard was full of praise for his side after the game, stating: “It’s brilliant, I’ve just been speaking to a few people and we are just so proud of the boys, they’ve reacted well to last season, trained hard all pre-season, worked hard over Christmas and got themselves now to a point where we have learned so many lessons, we have addressed a number of issues in our game, and we have promoted everything that is good.

“We are really in the swing of things now and it’s great to see the boys enjoying it and seeing smiles on faces out there.”

Blaydon overcame Billingham who lost for a 4th game in a row, meaning Macclesfield finished the round top by a point with nine games to go.

Can Macclesfield push on to the title now, starting with a trip to Carlisle next week?