Campbell: We must fight like a beggar

SOL CAMPBELL called on his Macclesfield side to “fight a bit more” after they had to settle for a draw at Crawley.

Harry Smith headed the Silkmen in front just before half-time, but a late deflected goal from right wing-back Lewis Young gave the Reds their first home draw for four months.

Macclesfield are now three points from safety, and boss Campbell wants more from his men in the final 12 games.

The former England defender said: “From where we were as a team two and a half months ago, we are not like that now.

“We just need another step. We need to fight a bit more now, like a beggar holding onto it. By hook and crook we have to see the game out.

“It is the business end of the season and we need to get business-like.”

Crawley head coach Gabriele Cioffi heaped praise on Manchester United loanee Matty Willock, who impressed before being forced off with cramp 19 minutes from time.

Italian Cioffi feels Willock, 22, has added quality to his squad and was encouraged by his first start.

He said: “Willock was my first choice

to sign in January, and his attributes are what we needed. He has quality. He can add value and competition to our squad.

“In the beginning I wasn’t happy, but in the end it was a good point.”

Willock had a goalbound shot saved in the first minute before Reece Cole went close at the other end.

Smith knocked back a cross for Cole who fired against the post from close range.

Willock had another shot blocked before keeper Glenn Morris came to Crawley’s rescue by parrying a shot from Smith.

Top-scorer Ollie Palmer header a good chance over for Crawley, but it was the Silkmen who broke the deadlock four minutes before the interval when Smith headed in a Koby Arthur cross at the far post.

Macclesfield, who have now scored in each of their last 11 games, had a lucky escape shortly after the break when Palmer headed over from a good position.

The hosts enjoyed the greater possession and were rewarded six minutes from time when wingback Lewis Young equalised with a deflected shot from the edge of the area.