The Silkmen were held to a 1-1 draw by AFC Telford United despite a Club record breaking goal from Danny Elliott on a frustrating Saturday afternoon at the Leasing.com Stadium.
After a bright start from the visitors, an opening goal came from Remi Walker, who calmly placed beyond Max Dearnley after fifteen minutes, immediately forcing the Silkmen on to the back foot who appeared somewhat out of sorts in the early stages.
Having struggled to find their feet, things went for bad to worse for Macc as they were forced in to withdrawing Luke Duffy, when he took a knock just beyond the half an hour mark and was replaced soon after by fellow dangerous wide man Justin Johnson.
Telford continued to frustrate Macclesfield for the remainder of the first half, despite evident eagerness to pull level, but it was the Bucks who held held a narrow lead at the interval albeit not without half chances for Danny Elliott and Matty Stenson at either end before the whistle.
In a bid to restore parity and an attacking tactical change, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts was introduced on the hour mark, replacing James Edmondson after a solid stint in the middle of the park.
With the home side desperate to alter the score line, a moment of magic came from in-form Danny Elliott, whose magical free-kick found the far top corner to bring the Silkmen level on 62 minutes, making him Macclesfield FC’s new all time leading goalscorer, notching his 54th for the boys in blue!
Ensuring there wasn’t to be another horrible twist in the tale, ginormous blocks were produced from Rollin Menayese and Lewis Fensome mid-way through the half, preventing Telford from reinstating their lead through front men Matty Stenson and first goalscorer of the afternoon Remi Walker.
With momentum now on their side and keen to turn the game completely on its head, Paul Dawson saw a headed attempt well held by Gracey 15 minutes from time, forcing Telford to hold out with everything they had.
In another move to try and complete the turnaround, Brandon Lee and Max Woltman were each introduced ten minutes before the end, replacing Luis Lacey and Josh Kay respectively.
Macc frustratingly had penalty appeals waved away as Justin Johnson appeared to be bundled over in the area with eight left on the clock, but wasn’t awarded the spot-kick despite mass protests from the majority of those inside the Leasing.com Stadium.
Isaac Buckley-Ricketts had the biggest chance to give the Silkmen a late lead but couldn’t hit the target with an effort whilst Telford goalkeeper Josh Gracey frantically retreated towards his line having initially charged out of his box in a failed attempt to clear his lines.
Seven minutes were added at the end of regulation time, though neither side were able to make a further dent in the scoreline, remaining at 1-1 at the final whistle.
The visitors appeared more content with the result in the immediate aftermath, though the Silkmen also extended their unbeaten run to seven consecutive games in all competitions.
Macc now travel to Hereford on Tuesday evening as they look to get back to winning ways.
Attendance: 3,220
MOTM: Danny Elliott
