Despite the Silkmen falling two goals short to League One side Mansfield Town in a scorching Saturday at the Leasing.Com Stadium on Saturday, 12 July, manager John Rooney expressed his pride in the side’s performance, labelling them as ‘brilliant’.
“I thought the lads were outstanding. I thought in that first 20 minutes we were the better team, we kept the ball, we created the better chances,” said Rooney.
Goals from Mansfield’s Dom Dwyer and Rhys Oates on either side of the half-time whistle were the only goals in the game; however, John Rooney was satisfied with his side’s first outing in the 25/26 season.
“They (Mansfield) are a top team. They had one chance in the first half, and in the second half, they punished us.
“We had a few chances, and we weren’t that clinical, but it was our first game, and I told the lads how proud I was of them, I thought they were brilliant,” said the 34-year-old.
With positive minutes in the legs of numerous first-team players, the manager was also impressed with some fresh faces.
“We had two trialists in, who haven’t even trained with us, and we had a few trialists who have trained with us.
“I thought two or three of them were brilliant, I thought considering it was the first game, some of them were really good.”
With the heat adding to the already existing physical demands of preseason, the manager was pleased with the fitness levels on display in SK11.
“We looked really fit, considering we have only had five training sessions, we are in a good place.
“I told the lads today that it was a fresh start, because it’s out there (the pitch) that matters, and that is where I’ll be picking my team.
“There were a few players out there that gave me headaches (for selection).
“We have five games in a row now with no training, so it is going to be a tough few weeks for the boys, but it is what it is about, and I think they prefer playing matches to running in training.”
Macclesfield’s next preseason test sees them travel to Newcastle Town on Tuesday, July 15, kick-off 7.30 pm.
By Ben Grundy
