A month-by-month review of the 2025/26 Enterprise National League North campaign, heading in to a lovely February for the Silkmen!
The month of love got off to the best possible start with an emotional renewal of James Edmondson’s loan deal, retaining the services of the dynamic midfielder until the end of the season from Parent Club Blackburn Rovers.
Extending their deals elsewhere were Elliott Whitehouse and Dontai Gabidon, who would each remain at Peterborough Sports and Hyde United respectively for the rest of the campaign.
Youngster Cameron Bradbury-Allen would also join local North West Counties side Stockport Town on dual registration terms a couple of days later, having featured in John Rooney’s league match day squads, though yet to make a senior appearance from the bench.
The Silkmen would then deliver a sensational performance against Kidderminster Harriers, with a near-whitewash 5-1 victory at the Leasing.com Stadium, courtesy of a James Edmondson brace and D’Mani Mellor hat-trick.
Management and player duo John Rooney and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts received nominations for Enterprise National League North January Manager and Player of the Month respectively, which Rooney would go on to win for leading Macc through a historic first month of 2026.
Shea Callister would depart not long after for Ireland Premier Division side Derry City, joining the Candystripes for the next two seasons. Shea moved on with the Club’s best wishes as he searched for regular game time at pastures new having not managed to dislodge Max Dearnley from his number one spot.
The Silkmen’s trip to South Shields was postponed a couple of days later due to a waterlogged pitch before completing their third double of the season against Leamington, rooted to the foot of the table and facing Macc’s wrath for a second occasion in quick succession, with a Paul Dawson header and James Gale brace getting the better of the Brakes.
This would stand the Silkmen in the best possible stead going in to the second of two enormous cup ties at the Leasing.com Stadium in quick succession and result in a return to the play-off positions for the first time since August.
Lewis Craig took over the reins as Academy Manager at the Macclesfield, following the departure of Andy Meehan, leading on developing the future generations of Macclesfield FC.
Rob Smethurst, who had not long renewed his status as Chairman, was named Rightmove’s Chief Belief Officer ahead of the Club’s Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round tie against Brentford at the Leasing.com Stadium, with the eyes of the nation and beyond transfixed on Macclesfield to see if the Silkmen could replicate the magic produced in the Third Round against Crystal Palace on home turf once more.
Shortly prior to which, Max Woltman left for Southport having not featured as much as regularly as initially hoped by both parties and would opt to sign for the fellow Enterprise National League North side, closer to his home city of Liverpool, where he’d made an incredible start to his senior career at the San Siro for the Reds in the UEFA Champions League. As per Shea, the Club wished Max well for the future upon signing for the Sandgrounders.
The long-awaited day finally rolled round for Macc as Monday 16th February became another day to reflect on fondly for all associated with the Club, not only hosting a second Premier League side in as many months, but also the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round draw in Bar Twenty Seven, in which the winners of the tie were drawn to face West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Despite a hard fought battle and a performance worthy of matching any opposition at a once again sold out Leasing.com Stadium, it would be Brentford that progressed, owing to a Sam Heathcote own goal being the only difference on the night to separate the sides, bringing to an end what had been a rollercoaster few months for the Silkmen.
Rogan Ravenhill was recruited in the aftermath of the surreal experience having impressed for fellow National League North side Leamington whilst on loan from League One side Barnsley, who would recall their ‘keeper before re-distributing him to the Silkmen for the remainder of the 2025/26 campaign.
Macc wouldn’t be disheartened for too long as they would blow Kings Lynn Town away with a 4-0 victory back at the same venue just five days later with goals coming from Luke Duffy, James Gale, D’Mani Mellor and an own goal.
The Silkmen would unfortunately be brought back down to earth a couple of days later, falling to a hefty 4-1 defeat against AFC Fylde in Macc’s third successive appearance on home turf, outclassed by a side looking set for automatic promotion and became the first of what would only be three sides to take six points from the Silkmen in the 2025/26 season.
Despite our set back against Fylde, our upcoming trips to Telford and Alfreton would be selected for DAZN coverage with a play-off place finish looking increasingly likely for Macc, hovering around the top seven having rapidly progressed from 15th position since the turn of the year.
The Silkmen’s final outing in February would result in a 2-2 draw with Scarborough Athletic at their temporary home, Bridlington Town. Goals from Paul Dawson and James Gale would grab the goals and earn the Silkmen what would prove to be a valuable point in the play-off race.
Results in February:
Macclesfield FC 5-1 Kidderminster Harriers
Macclesfield FC 3-1 Leamington
Macclesfield FC 0-1 Brentford (Emirates FA Cup)
Macclesfield FC 4-0 Kings Lynn Town
Macclesfield FC 1-4 AFC Fylde
Scarborough Athletic 2-2 Macclesfield FC
Players signed:
James Edmondson (loan extended from Blackburn Rovers)
Rogan Ravenhill (loaned from Barnsley)
Players departed:
Elliott Whitehouse (loan extended to Peterborough Sports)
Dontai Gabidon (loan extended to Hyde United)
Cameron Bradbury-Allen (loan to Stockport Town)
Shea Callister
