MACC TAKE THE DERBY HONOURS
MACCLESFIELD ran out comfortable winners in the latest instalment of what is always a keenly-contested local derby.
A sweet finish from Chris Holroyd and a solo effort from former Hatter Danny Rowe earned the win despite a spirited secondhalf display from the visitors.
Macclesfield’s only low point was the injury to defender David Fitzpatrick that caused his substitution early in the game.
Macc assistant Steve Watson said: “It wasn’t the greatest game but we are delighted to win and keep another clean sheet.
“We have done well defensively in preseason and it is a great habit to get into.We have done all the hard work and we just have to concentrate on sharpness over the next week.”
Stockport struggled to make any headway after conceding in the second minute. Jack Mackreth took advantage of the space given to him to deliver a pinpoint cross that was struck home by Holroyd.
It could have been worse for the Hatters by the break. Ben Hinchliffe had to be alert to deny Rowe before Holroyd fired wide from a good position.
Jack Sampson saw an effort cannon back from the crossbar but almost made amends when he muscled his way into the Stockport area only to be denied by Hinchliffe.
Scott Duxberry kept the score at 1-0 when he cleared a low drive from Chris Sutherland from the line at the start of the second period, and this brought Stockport to life.
Danny Lloyd should have done better while efforts from Lewis Montrose and Glenn Rule flew wide. But any hopes of a comeback were rocked in the 66th minute when Rowe picked up a loose ball. The Stockport defence were found wanting as he carved forward to net a solo goal.
Adam Thomas let his good approach work down when he failed to find any power in his shot, but the unluckiest man on the pitch had to be Scott Spencer who saw his shot hit the inside of both posts before creeping to safety.
Stockport boss Jim Gannon was disappointed with the goals conceded, particularly the second which was caused by a “catalogue of errors”.
He said:“There were positives to be taken from both halves even though we came into the game more after the break. The most important thing is that I have learned a lot more about my players in a realistic test against a ruthless National League side.”