MATCH REPORT: BRADFORD PARK AVENUE (A)

13 Aug 2023 | Latest News

New signing Luke Duffy came off the bench to secure an opening day triumph for the Silkmen on Saturday afternoon in Bradford.

The game began as you would expect, with Macclesfield looking the more likely team to open the scoring in the first 10 minutes of the contest.

And the early Silkmen pressure paid off in the 13th minute after 30 passes Laurent Mendy made a mazy run through the midfield and accurately found the feet of Alex Curran.

The Macclesfield number 10 then turned his marker and made no mistake by slotting the ball past the oncoming Bradford goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

The one goal advantage enabled Mark Duffy’s men to settle into a rhythm and control the game as they desired, and had another chance through Curran in the 24th minute, but his cushioned half volley whistled narrowly wide of the post.

Curran continued to be the main threat for the visitors, and looked for his brace multiple times towards the end of the first half, the latest of which was a well blocked shot from just inside the box.

Kane Drummond had a brilliant chance to double The Silkmen’s lead just before the interval, but he decided to square the ball to Tom Peers, who unfortunately lost his footing and with that the chance fizzled out

Macclesfield went into half-time with a well deserved 1-0 lead, a score line that flattered their opponents somewhat.

Mark Duffy began the second half by replacing Neil Kengni with new signing Luke Duffy and he made an immediate impact during his cameo.

Alex Curran turned provider to set up Duffy’s debut goal, with some lovely footwork on the right hand side, before clipping a cross over to the back post where the new man was waiting to nod home his first goal for The Silkmen to make it 2-0 with 20 minutes to go.

Macclesfield looked for the third goal to wrap up the game and very nearly did through Peers, who was set up by Duffy with a lovely cross, but the Macclesfield number 9 couldn’t quite steer his header on target.

Peers had another very similar chance a few minutes later. This time it was Drummond who provided the accurate delivery, and although Peers’ header was on target this time, it didn’t seem to trouble the Bradford shot stopper

There was a slight cause for concern in the last 20 minutes for The Silkmen, when Tre Pemberton was forced off due to an injury. The Macclesfield right back was brilliant all afternoon and all Silkmen fans will hope he will return as soon as possible.

But on the whole it was a positive afternoon for Mark Duffy and his players as the referee brought an end to a brilliant first afternoon back in the Non Premier League.

The Silkmen welcome Matlock Town to the Leasing.com stadium on Tuesday for the first home game of the new season, and Mark Duffy and his players will want to build on Saturday’s victory and gain some momentum for a busy start to this season.

By Kallum Bates

More From Our Blog

Report: Witton Albion (H)

Report: Witton Albion (H)

Silkmen put six past Witton Albion to reach the Fourth Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup. John Rooney opened the scoring with a volley just outside the six-yard box just 16 minutes into the game beating the Witton Albion keeper at the near post after a good...

FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW – LIVE AT 3PM

FA CUP FOURTH QUALIFYING ROUND DRAW – LIVE AT 3PM

The Silkmen will learn their fate of who they will face in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup this afternoon.  The draw will be live at 3pm on talkSPORT and we will be in the northern section of the draw. Here are the all important ball numbers: AFC...

Preview: Witton Albion (H)

Preview: Witton Albion (H)

The Silkmen are back in Emirates FA Cup action this Saturday as we welcome Witton Albion in Third Qualifying Round Action.  Robbie Savage's side booked their spot in this round with a convincing victory over National League North outfit South Shields. Our visitors,...

Report: Gainsborough Trinity (H)

Report: Gainsborough Trinity (H)

Two first half goals as Macclesfield beat Gainsborough Trinty at home and remain top of the Northern Premier League. Gainsborough Trinity almost broke the deadlock just two minutes into the game on the counter through Declan Howe, but Silkmen keeper Max Dearley...

Preview: Gainsborough Trinity (H)

Preview: Gainsborough Trinity (H)

Tuesday nights under the Leasing.com Stadium lights as Gainsborough Trinity travel from Lincolnshire this evening.  Robbie Savage's side come into tonight's game off the back of a 5-1 victory over Basford United on Saturday. Both sides will be hoping for a positive...