Macclesfield Saints v Middlewich Town.
Saints were looking for their 4th back to back win today. They had a very hard task ahead of them as the visitors were currently 2nd in the league and hadn't lost a game!
Saints kicked off, Jack B to Liam who passed a great ball to Jack N within seconds Jack N had hit the back of the net to score his 30th goal of the season.
Middlewich hit back and forced a corner, Mike cleared the ball with a header, Middlewich sent the ball back in GK Joe held well.
Middlewich applied pressure and Edward headed a dangerous ball away.
Goal kick to Saints, Joe hit a long ball up field to Jack N who carried the ball up the wing and crossed in but the keeper held.
Middlewich were next to come close to level the score with a corner kick, Gk Joe was first to the ball Middlewich were still chasing the game.
Middlewich were applying pressure in the box, this was no problem for hard working defenders like Mike, Reece, Josh and Edward.
A free kick was awarded to saints for a foul on Mike, Reece took and sent a powerful ball over players heads in Louis's direction, Louis chased but the ball was travelling to fast and the Middlewich keeper held.
Jack had to more shots on Goal then Liam without reward, Saints were pushing forward with renewed confidence and shooting at every opportunity.
Middlewich soon put Joe under pressure after pushing a shot away Joe could do nothing about the shot that was sent back in, Middlewich were level.
Gk to Middlewich long ball to the left wing Edward applied pressure all the way down the wing following the ball and player, forcing the ball wide.
Middlewich throw found unmarked player in the box Joe made an excellent close range shot to deny middlewich.
Middlewich were awarded a free kick just inside the halfway line strong shot but went over the crossbar, not giving up Middlewich broke free but player was ruled off side.
Jack N hits the back of the net for the second time in the game with a great turn and a dipping shot past the keeper, Saints had the lead back and thoroughly deserved it.
Middlewich were not giving up and had a shot which went over the crossbar and a good chance was cleared off the line by James then cleared away again for a second time.
HALF TIME 2-1
Middlewich to kick off, Saints immediately felt under pressure from an attacking Middlewich side, Middlewich shot wide.
Harry worked hard and pressured Middlewich players winning Tackles and looking for the pass. Reece was clearing ball after ball and Joe was making some excellent saves.
Jack's hat-trick soon came with a number of players being involved, Liam, Harry back to Liam who back heeled to Jack who finished the goal in style. Saints were now 3-1 up and were playing so well just like they had a few weeks ago when they faced local side Tytherington.
With 15 mins left Saints were easily in control although Middlewich were still pushing forward, but that wasn't enough and Saints scored their 5th of the match courtesy of Jack N again when Reece sent a long ball into the box, more opportunities followed with blocked shots from Liam, Louis and Liam again.
With just 7 mins to go Middlewich were on the break but a well timed tackle from Mike stopped Middlewich shooting, giving Saints more chances to score at the other end, James' long ball found Josh who turned crossed to Jack he sent the ball in, just missing the feet of Liam.
With Saints controlling the game and minutes to go Saints still wanted more and their last chance came when Jack sent the ball into the box but failed to connect with the foot of Liam and the head of Mike.
The final whistle went and Saints won 5-1.
Man of the match Jack Naylor.
Managers quote; Excellent team performance, made tackles and battled hard. very proud of all of them.
Thanks to Louise Wilson for the
above report.