Unbeaten Bruce’s Silkmen soaring
MANAGER Alex Bruce extended his unbeaten start at Macclesfield to six games on Saturday after watching his side beat Guiseley AFC 5-1 at the Leasing.com Stadium.
After falling behind to Kallan Murphy’s early header, Lewis Fensome and Kane Drummond turned the game on its head in the first-half before an own-goal and a converted penalty kick shortly after the restart all but wrapped up the result, John Rooney capping off the victory with a fifth.
After coming off the back of a 4-2 victory over Alfreton Town and a 6-0 victory over Atherton Collieries, Bruce was delighted with his team’s endeavour to extend their impressive run of form.
Unbeaten in the last five league games, the Silkmen have gathered 33 points and currently sit in third place.
“I know we went a goal down, but I thought we dominated the game”, said Bruce.
“I thought the way the lads played, the way they passed the ball, the chances we created, even if we went in 1-0 down at half-time I would have still been pleased with the performance.
“Overall, over the 90 minutes, I was delighted with them.”
Scoring 15 goals in the last three games has made Macc’s threat in front of goal evident, with the Silks even claiming their largest victory margin of the season last Tuesday in a game which saw Kane Drummond bag four goals.
Drummond’s FA Trophy goal two weeks ago and a goal and two assists on Saturday has provided suitable competition for Macc’s centre-forward spot, having signed striker Oumar Niasse last Tuesday who was named among the substitutes.
Bruce also stressed how important his side’s offthe-ball attitude is as a key to success, in addition to their clinical goalscoring form.
“We talk about the goals that we’ve scored and the chances we’ve created, but it’s the attitude without the ball that I’ve been really pleased with.
“We look like a good team at the minute so we’ve just got to keep it going and if we keep playing with a smile on our face and the enjoyment they look like they’ve got at the moment then we’ll have a good season.
“[Kane Drummond] has been vitally important, I think any team will tell you that when you’ve got someone at the top end of the pitch who’s in form, scoring goals it’s a massive plus.
“I’m not going to say too much about him because he needs to keep it going and he needs to demand that level of performance himself.
“He’s set the bar now and needs to keep it up but I’ve been really pleased with him.”
With the Silkmen being unbeaten since Mark Duffy’s departure, it is indisputable that the squad’s confidence has improved.
In the past two weeks, twice Bruce’s side has come from behind to conclude victorious, suggesting their resilience and tenacity has enhanced confidence.
“The confidence that the lads have got within the team and within the ranks at the minute means we’ve got good players in forward areas and in wide areas.
“We’ve implemented a few things that we feel like we’ve had to introduce into the team, and in fairness to the lads they’ve took it on board really well.”
An away visit to Bamber Bridge this Saturday makes for another big game for Macc’s push for promotion.
The Silks are also still involved in the Isuzu FA Trophy where they will travel away to Curzon Ashton next Saturday, with the Cheshire Senior Cup including a home tie versus League Two side Tranmere Rovers just three days later.
“Every game is difficult and every game offers something different.
“We’ll approach [the game against Bamber Bridge] in the right manner and just keep trying to keep this momentum going.
“I’ve said it in interviews that I’ve done prior to this one, I think momentum is key in sport and if the lads keep playing the way they are then we’ll be a match for anybody.”
Newest recruit Oumar Niasse was not involved on Saturday but was named among the substitutes.
The ex Senegalese international brings a wealth of experience to the Silks, having had spells at the top levels for the likes of Everton, Hull City, Cardiff City and Huddersfield.
“[Niasse] has had a bit of an ankle injury, he rolled his ankle a couple of weeks ago and he’s only trained once since he did it, “
Bruce explained. “To be fair, I didn’t need to change it at the top end of the pitch because Kane [Drummond] was playing really well.
“He can have a full week’s training now, Tuesday and Thursday, it’ll do him no harm.
“He’ll work hard and then he’ll come into the fold next week in some capacity.”