Macc building head of steam
MACCLESFIELD Town extended their unbeaten run to four league games after a solid victory against Kidderminster Harriers at Moss Rose.
First-half strikes from Tony Diagne and Danny Rowe saw Macc enter the break at 2-0 after an excellent first-half display by the Silkmen.
A late goal by visitors forward Jordan Murphy gave the home fans a scare but resilient defending saw the Silkmen hold on for a much deserved victory to see them rise the National League table.
John Askey’s side dominated possession from early on and the first chance fell to Paul Turnbull after Danny Whitaker found him on the edge of the area, but his finish fell just wide of the post after seven minutes.
Macc came close again minutes later after seeing the majority of the ball in the first half.
Chris Holroyd was initially denied by goalkeeper Dean Snedker before Danny Whitaker had a chance to open the scoring but his shot was deflected behind.
The hosts continued to push for the breakthrough and it finally came on 31 minutes. Diagne got on the end of Paul Turnbull’s corner but saw his shot cleared by a handball on the line.
With advantage played, Diagne made no mistake by tucking away the rebound to make it 1-0 to Macclesfield.
More dominant spells forced visitor goalkeeper Snedker into some more fine saves but on 38 minutes the Silkmen doubled their lead.
Rowe managed to get on the end of a corner and drilled the ball into the back of the net to make it 2-0 and put his side in a comfortable position at half-time.
Kidderminster played with a more attacking approach in the second half and on 51 minutes a promising counter-attack was shut down as Andy Hall made the necessary move to break up play by pulling back Reece Styche, earning a yellow card in the process.
Minutes later Shwan Jalal came to the Silkmen’s rescue as another quick break by the visitors saw Jordan Murphy through on goal but quick reflexes by Jalal ensured the Silkmen held their twogoal lead.
As Macc searched for a third goal Danny Whitehead went on a storming run through the middle of the pitch, but his edge of the area curling effort couldn’t beat Snedker at his far post.
The visitors did manage to pull a goal back with just over ten minutes remaining when Murphy got on the end of a corner and swept home from close range to give Harriers a glimpse of hope.
Kristian Dennis came on for the hosts in the late stages of the game and nearly found his 10th goal of the season but his effort fell inches wide of the near post.
MACCLESFIELD:
Jalal, Halls, Pilkington, Diagne, Fitzpatrick, Whitehead, Whitaker, Turnbull, Holroyd, Rowe (Dennis 85), Sampson (Meikle 88) Subs not used: Branagan, Cowan, Adarabioyo
1,653
ATTENDANCE: