CROOKS’ TREBLE SHOCKS SILKMEN

MACCLESFIELD Town finally bagged their first league win of the season last weekend – but they were brought crashing back down to earth by Northampton on Tuesday night. Keith Curle’s Cobblers stormed to a 5-0 victory at Moss Rose, with Matt Crooks leading the way with a hat-trick. Daniel Powell and Aaron Pierre also got in on the act as Northampton bagged just their third league win of the campaign. League leaders Lincoln were held to a draw at home for the second time in four days, sharing the spoils with Carlisle. In fact, the Imps were twice forced to come from behind as all the goals came in the opening half. Ashley Nadesan struck twice for the Cumbrians, while Michael O’Connor and Bruno Andrade replied for Lincoln. Exeter slipped a place to third, but extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Crawley. Filipe Morais put Crawley ahead just after the hour, but substitute Lee Holmes levelled things up on 79 minutes. MK Dons took advantage of Exeter dropping points by snatching second place with their fifth straight win. Visitors Notts County took the lead through Lewis Alessandra, but the Dons hit back in the second half through Chuks Aneke, who scored from the spot after Jamie Turley was red-carded for bringing down Rhys Healey, and Healey to take the spoils. Fourth-placed Newport County drew 1-1 at Bury. The Shakers took the lead through the in-form Nicky Maynard, but Newport hot-shot Jamille Matt levelled things up early in the second half. Colchester remained fifth despite going down to a 1-0 defeat at improving Grimsby, Wes Thomas bagging the Mariners’ winner.