The Silkmen returned to winning ways after Danny Elliott’s double and Luke Duffy’s strike secured an emphatic 3-0 victory away at Bedford Town on Saturday afternoon.
Duffy’s opener inside four minutes sent Macc on their way before Elliott’s clinical brace ensured the Silkmen’s three points in the Enterprise National League North.
Ahead of kick-off, players, staff and supporters from both teams held a minute’s applause in memory of Ethan McLeod.
Manager John Rooney made two changes from the side who were defeated at home by Hereford last weekend, with Matty Apter and Adan George coming in for the suspended pair of Elliot Osborne and Josh Kay in Bedfordshire.
It was the perfect start for the Silkmen who were ahead after just four minutes played when Duffy guided a curling effort into the top right-corner from distance which looped past Laurie Walker, to give Macc the lead.
Bedford then went close through two opportunities in quick succession. Firstly, Josh Castiglione fired over Christian Dibble’s crossbar, whilst Joe Payne’s free-kick from 25-yards bent just wide of the Silkmen goalkeeper’s post.
On the 20th minute mark, the whole ground came together to remember Ethan once again.
Minutes later, Macc nearly extended their advantage through Elliott, who was kept out from close-range by Walker, with the home stopper diverting his effort over the crossbar.
Rooney’s men scored their second of the game on 36 minutes after Elliott headed beyond Walker in the box after meeting a ball from the left.
Late in the half, Reece Evans sent a half-volley narrowly wide of Dibble’s goal, as the Silkmen went into the interval two goals to the good.
Ed Ipakwu was introduced by Rooney in place of Apter for the second-half for his league debut in Silkmen colours.
Two minutes into the second-half, the afternoon got even better for the Silkmen after Elliott chased down Paul Dawson’s pass to get the better of his marker and arrow his powerful strike past Walker.
Elliott was denied a hat-trick by Walker after his left-footed effort was thwarted from a tight angle, as Macc aimed for a fourth goal.
Dibble was called into action midway through the half to push Payne’s low shot around the post for a corner. The resulting set-piece was cleared to safety by the Silkmen defence.
At the other end, Fin Shrimpton weaved into an attacking position to shoot at goal, which flashed just off target.
With 10 minutes to go, George was withdrawn for Theo Chapman for the Silkmen prior to Hassan Ayub replacing Jon Ustabasi.
The Silkmen navigated the four minutes of additional time to complete an excellent performance on the road and move to within two points of leaders South Shields with a game in hand.
Next up for the Silkmen is an Emirates FA Cup first-round tie away at Mansfield Town on Saturday, kick-off 3pm. Purchase your tickets by clicking here.
MOTM: Danny Elliott
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