Turnaround keeps Macc in the chase

MACCLESFIELD Town remain firmly in the play-off hunt after picking up a hardfought win at home to play-off rivals Dover Athletic last week.

The visitors went ahead at the Moss Rose thanks to an early strike from Jamie Grimes, but two second half goals from Chris Holroyd saw Macc turn things around and triumph.

It leaves them eighth in the National League table, six points off the play-offs with two games in hand on several of the teams above them, and assistant manager Steve Watson was glad his side was able to come from behind and pick up all three points against Dover.

“It wasn’t the way we wanted to do it as we’d like to take the lead and run out a game comfortably one of these days, but Dover have had a great season so far, and they play a certain style of football which is hard to play against,” he said.

“As frustrated as everybody was with some of the decisions and some of the antics, the message at half-time was to keep the composure, not get carried away, keep playing football and as the game wears on the chances will open up.

“That’s not the way we like to win games, but the lads showed great character and showed their gritty side. At the end of the season, wins like that can be very valuable.”

Holroyd’s two goals turned out to be vital for Macclesfield, and Watson has heaped praise on the striker for his contribution.

“They were two very good finishes by Chris. The first one was a real striker’s goal,” he said.

“His second goal was great too. Sometimes when you’ve got that much time you can hesitate but he clinically finished it. He worked his socks off again as usual.

“We showed a different side to our game against Dover, although it wasn’t a game I particularly enjoyed watching, and I don’t think many of the supporters would’ve done.

“There were far too many fouls, plus far too many stoppages in the game and it’s not what we want to see.”