Curran’s double sends Macc into next round of Cup
MACCLESFIELD progressed to the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup following an intense 2-0 victory over Wythenshawe Town on Saturday.
Alex Curran struck either side of half-time to help get the better of a strong away side.
Manager Danny Whitaker only made a single change to the starting XI that drew against FC United in their previous game, with Mark Duffy coming in to replace Trialist.
Macc started bright, dictating play and didn’t struggle to keep hold of possession.
In the opening minutes, Jacob Hanson’s low cross passed through a number of bodies before finding Curran, however his attempt on goal was kept out by the safe hands of Stephen Bywater.
Jordan Burton drove at the Macc back line with pace before crossing it in for Steven
Hewitt, however his first time attempt was hit high and wide of the target.
Neil Danns then regained possession after catching Dominic Smalley off-guard.
As the ball fell into the path of James Berry his ambitious effort soared high of the crossbar.
Matthew Bryan advanced into the Macclesfield area before cutting inside and unleashing an effort that was well blocked by captain Laurant Mendy.
Conner Brotherton’s headed rebound effort was kept out by Marcelo Pitaluga.
An accurate long switch from Curran found Dan Cowan who was able to head it into the danger area.
Lewis Fensome was first to react but his header fell just wide of the mark.
The referee then awarded Wythenshawe a free kick as exMacclesfield man, Aaron Dwyer, set up to take it.
Dwyer proved to be an integral part of the Silkmen’s titlewinning side last season, as well as winning the Goal of the Season award for an unbelievable 40-yard chip shot.
Dwyer stepped up to take the free-kick and it looked to have been heading for the top lefthand corner but an incredible reach from Pitaluga meant the game remained goalless.
A scramble inside the 6-yard box led to Berry being able to bundle the ball over the line.
Initially the goal was given, however the visitors were adamant that the ball struck the hand of a Macclesfield man before crossing the line.
Following a lengthy discussion with the linesman, the referee confirmed that the goal would be ruled out.
Macc appeared to be unimpressed with the decision as manager Danny Whitaker received a yellow card.
However, Macc were able to redeem themselves. Mark Duffy’s corner ball was cleared into the path of Curran who was able to slam it into the back of the net to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time.
Duffy was replaced by debutant Nicky Maynard. Maynard has made appearances for a plethora of clubs including Crewe Alexandra, Bristol City, West Ham United, Cardiff City and more.
Neil Kengni received the ball well from a high switch.
Multiple step overs and drops of the shoulder allowed him with enough space to get a shot off, however his effort was hit directly at Bywater.
After an ineligible Wythenshawe substitute was fielded, the visitors were forced to go down to ten men due to having already made the change.
Just moments later, Jerome Wright received a second yellow card for dissent and Wythenshawe had to complete the final ten minutes of normal time with nine men.
Play was yet to resume however.
Unsavoury scenes in the crowd lead to further delay as the two sets of fans clashed.
After a lengthy pause in play, the game was able to get back underway as thirteen minutes of added time was announced.
Aaron Dwyer was then substituted off, receiving applause from all corners of the ground in doing so.
Berry then found himself in on goal and attempted to chip the Wythenshawe ‘keeper however it was unable to drop quickly enough.
Maynard then had his first touches in a Silkmen shirt, after bringing the ball down well he was unable to keep his calm under pressure as his shot was blazed over the bar.
Bryan’s ball in then managed to find a fellow teammate, however an unbelievable stop from Pitaluga managed to prevent an equaliser in the dying moments of the game.
Ten minutes into stoppage time, a familiar face found the back of the net once again.
Curran received the ball from Berry before sliding his low effort through the legs of Bywater to secure the victory.
Pitaluga, Hanson, Lee, Fensome, Cowan, Mendy, Kengni, Danns, Curran, Duffy, Berry
MACCLESFIELD: WYTHENSHAWE:
Bywater, Smalley, Wright, Brotherton, Dwyer, Bianger, Burton, Hewitt, Bryan, Leonard, Dwyer
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