Macclesfield Tigers v Macclesfield Saints.
One minutes silence was respectfully held to remember Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander.
Saints travelled across town to face local team Macclesfield Tigers. Saints were looking for their third back to back win.
Saints kicked off and soon found themselves defending a Tigers corner, the ball was crossed into the box Edward cleared the ball finding Louis on the left wing who calmly played the ball to Jack N he spotted Sam running into the box, Jack crossed the ball to Sam who was ruled off side. Great start for Saints.
From a Tigers goal kick Sam picked up the ball ran down the right wing crossing the ball into the box finding Liam who battled well as Tigers pressurised, Liam spotted Jack N on side sent the ball to Jacks feet, unfortunately Jacks first touch was to hard and the ball ran into the keepers hands.
Saints were controlling the game they were passing the ball and working as a team.
Danger for Saints as Tigers pressed forward, Mike pressurised the Tigers striker and won the ball, James then cleared the ball to Sam who placed a long ball to the feet of Liam, he passed to Jack but Jack was offside again.
Saints next chance came when Sam's long ball was collected by Gerald the ball was passed between a number of players, Jack, Liam, Louis and Gerald before Louis spotted Jack unmarked and able to shoot, the pass was perfect but the keeper held the powerful shot from Jack.
An excellent long high kick from GK Joe lead to Saints first goal, the ball went straight to Jack he controlled the ball well and one on one with the keeper showed composure and great skill in putting the ball past the keeper.
Tigers kicked off and were soon awarded a free kick, they pushed players forward and quickly sent the ball long into the box Mike was their to meet the ball and cleared to harry who controlled and cleared the danger with help from Edward.
On the few times that Tigers pushed forward Saints didn't panic and defensively were doing what was asked of them.
Saints were pushing forward at every opportunity, from a goal kick Joe found Liam who was working every inch of the pitch to win the ball, he passed the ball forward to Gerald, passed to Jack but the keeper made a great save.
Saints had the majority of the play and chance after chance came, a long ball sent up the pitch towards goal from Mike, found Jack who shot, keeper pushed wide and Liam struck just wide.
Saints had a throw in Edwards long throw gave Liam a chance to shoot but keeper held.
Tigers had a chance but their shot went wide.
Jamie controlled the ball well in midfield and passed onto Harry, who passed to Mike as Saints pushed forward Mike found Sam just outside the box, who found Jack he shot but keeper pushed away giving Gerald a clear shot on goal, but a great well timed Tackle from Tigers stopped him taking the shot and cleared the danger.
Tigers were not giving up and were pushing forward Mike, Harry and Jamie were clearing dangerous balls easily. Tigers were still coming back at Saints and shot twice each time sending the ball wide.
Saints were still pushing forward at every opportunity shots from Jack, Sam and Louis who's shot trickled across the goal mouth.
Saints were holding the back line well and this worked to their advantage when on the break Tigers were played off side.
2nd half
Saints started well again pushing forward and trying to create chances.
Corner to Saints found the head of Jamie who headed over the crossbar.
Saints determination and team work paid off when Jack found the ball at his feet and shot past the keeper.
Goal 2-0.
Play was all saints with Shots on goal from Sam,J ack and Louis.
Everyone holding their positions and supporting each other.
A corner to Saints Jamie, Louis, Josh and Alex waiting in the box, Jack crosses the ball in Alex collected and tigers forced another corner.
Louis plays a great ball into the box, Josh has the shot but hits the side netting.
Saints were awarded a penalty when Jack was taken down. Jack claimed this penalty to get his hat rick and his 30th goal of the season, however it wasn't to be and the keeper saved.
FULL TIME
Managers thoughts; They kept the pressure up in the second half, they all battled ,used the ball and used the width. A well deserved win.
Man of the match Sam Wilson.
Thanks to Louise Wilson for the
above report.