Silkmen stay top despite first defeat
MACCLESFIELD FC remain top of the North West Counties Premier Division – despite suffering a first league defeat of the season at Longridge Town on Monday.
The 4-2 loss at the Mike Riding Ground in Preston meant the Silkmen were unable to stretch their lead at the top of the table following Saturday’s 4-0 home win against Litherland REMYCA.
Things got off to a flying start at Longridge with Tom Clare heading the visitors in front after just three minutes.
And when Clare netted his second just four minutes later, it looked like Danny Whitaker’s men were heading for another victory.
However, two goals in the space of three minutes midway through the first half drew the home side level and they scored a third before the break to turn the game on its head.
Macclesfield started the second half strongly, laying siege to the Longridge goal, but they were unable to find the breakthrough.
The Silkmen were eventually caught on the counter attack in the 77th minute as the hosts netted their fourth goal.
“I was devastated to lose the game in the manner that we did – we’ve got to correct it very quickly,” said Whitaker. “We started brilliantly, went 2-0 up, then for whatever reason we took our foot off the pedal and they got back into it.
“Their goals were one hundred per cent avoidable. Like I say all the time, at least make the opposition work as hard as possible for their goals and I don’t think we did that for the second and third goals, which is disappointing.
“When you concede a goal you ahve got to quickly erase it from your head, re-set and go again.”
It proved a tough second outing for goalkeeper Sam Ashton, 34, who joined the club last week and made his debut in the win against Litherland, replacing Ben Pierce.
Born in Bolton, Ashton started his career with his hometown side before making the move to FC United in 2006.
Making almost 200 appearances for The Red Rebels, Ashton became renowned as a commanding ‘keeper and an agile shot-stopper. Ashton has signed a deal until the end of the season with Macc.
Tom Morris, a 26-yearold defender, also made his debut in the Litherland victory after signing for the Silkmen on a noncontract basis.
Morris progressed through the youth ranks at Port Vale, before making the move over to Ireland in order to sign for Longford Town.
After playing his part in securing the League of Ireland Division One title, Tom then returned to England as he signed for Stafford Rangers before enjoying spells at Kidsgrove Athletic, Conwy and Congleton Town.
Most recently, Tom has been at Hyde United where he has made seven appearances for The Tigers this season.
Both Ashton and Morris played their part in securing Saturday’s clean sheet with Edy Maieco scoring a brace and Luis Morrison and Scott McGowan also on target for the home side. The game was watched by more than 3,000 supporters.
“It’s unbelievable, I can’t quite believe it!” said Whitaker of the following. “As long as the boys keep winning and keep putting in performances in we can’s thank the fans enough for turning out in their numbers. It’s amazing.”