Macclesfield vs 1874 Northwich

Recap

We travelled over to East Cheshire to make history and play Macclesfield FC for the first time.  Backed by a noisy and passionate following, the Greens left their hosts frustrated by taking all three points.  Mackenzie O’Neill scored the all-important goal in the first minute, reacting quickly after Macc’s Keeper parried Joe Woolley’s header away.

1874 had further chances in the first half to score another couple of goals, but just shot or headed wide of the post.  At the other end of the pitch, the Silkmen were reduced to half chances from distance, as they couldn’t break the 74 ranks down.

Words had obviously been spoken in the home dressing room at half-time by their manager, and mentor Sammy McIlroy, as the Silkmen came out with more urgency.  Early in the second half, they hit the woodwork and had a further chance around 65 minutes but the 74 lads ‘double blocked’ their effort well.  Former Football League striker Maynard looked odds on to equalise however Big T, who was on great form, thwarted his effort well.

Macclesfield had hoped to go further ahead in the League table, however, 1874 had other ideas and they showed that they weren’t there just to make the numbers up.  They not only put in an excellent defensive performance, managing the game well throughout but they also pushed forward and attacked and made life incredibly difficult for their hosts and thoroughly deserved the three points.

Given the Silkmen’s resources and facilities, the large crowd backing them and the expectation that they would win (as highlighted in their manager’s post match interview and their various programme notes), this felt more than just a normal three points.  At the final whistle, there were jubilant scenes on and off the pitch with the players, management and supporters celebrating together.