Silkmen slip thanks to late goals

MACCLESFIELD saw victory slip from of their fingers after conceding two late goals at home to Chester.

Danny Whitehead had put Macc in front as he grabbed his first goal for the Silkmen on his full debut and it looked as though it would be enough for victory.

However, strikes from Tom Peers and Craig Hobson in the closing stages enabled Chester to snatch a win.

Chester began the game on the front foot, with Johnny Hunt receiving a reverse pass to release him in behind Andy Halls, but his cross could only flash past Ritchie Branagan and the attackers.

Jordan Chappell then squandered two great chances for the away side, dragging his first effort past the far post, before Branagan produced a fine save from a half-volley.

With 11 minutes gone, Kristian Dennis was the first Macc player to test the Seals’ defence. Neat work from Danny Rowe and Danny Whitaker freed up Dennis on the left, but he shot into the side netting.

Rowe was then on hand to threaten Jon Worsnop in the Chester goal, however he blasted over from 20 yards, before glancing a header just wide of the post minutes later.

Neither side were able to gain a foothold in the game in the opening 25 minutes. Whitaker forced Worsnop into a decent save, whilst Craig Hobson was using his strength at the other end to create chances.

Macclesfield fell straight into their groove after the break, with Rowe looking dangerous and Whitaker in control in midfield.

Their efforts were rewarded when the home side scored in the 53rd minute.

The ball eventually found its way to Whitehead after good work from Jack Sampson, and he dribbled past one defender before guiding the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

The away side then tried to push for an equaliser. Rowe handled the ball and a free-kick was awarded 20 yards out. John Rooney stepped up to take it but his strike was headed off the line by George Pilkington.

Tension was rising and with 72 minutes gone the ball fell kindly to George Thomson at the back post. His close range shot looked to be going in but Neill Byrne was on hand to clear the ball off the line again.

As the game moved into stoppage time, it appeared as though Macclesfield would hold out for the victory.

However, Chester grabbed an equaliser as Rooney lofted a free kick into the box and substitute Peers was first to react at the back post to level the game.

Then in the dying seconds, Hobson gathered possession on the edge of the box and guided a low shot into the bottom right hand corner with virtually the last kick of the match.

The final whistle blew to condemn Macclesfield to defeat and leave them regretting their missed chances.