The Silkmen’s Emirates FA Cup journey came to an end after a 3-0 defeat away at Mansfield Town in the first-round proper on Saturday afternoon.
Despite a spirited performance from John Rooney’s men, the Silkmen were beaten in Nottinghamshire after Nathan Moriah-Welsh’s first-half opener was added to by goals from Rhys Oates and Jordan Bowery in the closing 20 minutes at the One Call Stadium.
Rooney made two changes from last weekend’s 3-0 win at Bedford Town. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Josh Kay returned to the starting line-up in place of Matty Apter and Adan George.
Christian Dibble was called into action inside the first 12 minutes when he superbly pushed Michael Smith’s curling effort around the post for a corner, with the resulting set-piece not troubling Macc.
Silkmen captain Paul Dawson then tried his luck with an audacious effort from a free-kick inside his own half, which went narrowly over Liam Roberts’ crossbar.
Macc were behind on 21 minutes after Oates’ pass picked out Moriah-Welsh in the box, who struck right-footed into Dibble’s right-corner for Nigel Clough’s Stags.
Mansfield had the ball in the net again just beyond the half hour mark as Jon Russell tapped in Stephen McLaughlin’s deflected cross, however he was adjudged to be in an offside position.
Towards the end of the half, Luke Duffy cut onto his right-foot on the left-side of the box to force Roberts to palm his fierce attempt away after positive build-up play.
The Silkmen, cheered on by a strong contingent of 950 travelling supporters, ended the half strongly as Rooney’s Silkmen threatened their third-tier opponents.
Borthwick-Jackson met Duffy’s free-kick, but he could not steer his header past Roberts, who gathered the ball into his grasp. Danny Elliott then saw a snapshot well saved by the Mansfield stopper.
As play resumed for the second-half, Dawson drove up field, with his left-footed shot going wide of Roberts’ right-post.
Dibble then did well to keep Oates’ effort out with a diving save whilst Moriah-Welsh fired an effort at goal from the edge of the box over the crossbar.
Rooney made his first substitution 11 minutes into the half, with Sam Heathcote coming on for Dawson.
The Silkmen then had two opportunities in quick succession. Firstly, Fin Shrimpton surged into an attacking position outside the box, shooting just past the bottom left-post prior to Ammar Dyer finding space on the edge of the area, but he shot off target.
Mansfield’s second of the afternoon came from Oates in the 72nd minute, who ran onto Smith’s pass to finish beyond Dibble and into the bottom right-corner.
Rooney made another change in the closing 15 minutes, replacing George Wilson for George. Eleven minutes later, Theo Chapman came on for Kay.
Mansfield scored their third goal in added time as Bowery slotted past Dibble after a swift break up field.
Next up for the Silkmen is a Cheshire Senior Cup tie away at Stalybridge Celtic on Tuesday night. Purchase your tickets by clicking here.
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By Ben Reardon
