Askey playing it cool
MACCLESFIELD Town manager John Askey doesn’t want his side to get too carried away following their impressive victory over Braintree Town.
The Silkmen were comfortable winners at the Amlin Stadium, with Danny Rowe, Chris Holroyd and Jack Sampson getting the goals for the visitors.
Braintree were one of the stand out teams in the National League last season, finishing in third place after winning 23 matches.
While Askey was very happy with his side for coming out on top, he insists that Braintree aren’t the same quality that they were last season.
“I’m really pleased. We created a lot of chances and could have won the game by more,” he told the club’s official website.
“I don’t think they’re the side they were last year so we’re not getting too carried away, but those are the teams you’ve got to beat.
“We’ve had a better start to the season this year than we’ve had for a while.
“Hopefully we can keep the momentum going from last season.
“The signs have been good but there is a lot of work to be done.”
Askey has been impressed with his forward options so far this season, and hopes that the attackers can keep up this form over the coming weeks.
“Everyone has looked good. Chris Holroyd is back to what I remember him as three or four years ago,” he said.
“He has looked sharp and has a goal in him so hopefully he can continue that. Jack Sampson has impressed too and it was great to see him score on Saturday, but he also brings a lot to the team in other areas.
“Danny Rowe is probably better than everybody else at the moment though, so I want him to keep that going.”
It was set to be a speedy return for Macclesfield as they hosted Southport at the Moss Rose as the Express went to print on Tuesday.
Askey was confident heading into the match, but admits that the team have found it tough against Southport in the past.
“Southport have alwas been a difficult team for us to play against and I expect nothing different,” he said. “If we can play like we have been doing then it should give us a great chance of winning the match.”
Mitch Hancox was sent off against Braintree on Saturday, and Askey is glad that he has a readymade replacement available.
“It was important that we got cover in all positions and David Fitzpatrick and Mitch Hancox do that down the left-hand side,” he said. “It was disappointing that Mitch got sent off but now it gives David the chance to come in and it’s up to him to keep the shirt.”