The Silkmen have extended their pre-season campaign to include an additional fixture away at Tamworth on Tuesday 28th July, kicking off at 7:45pm.
With games of a non-competitive nature against Hyde United, Leek Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Warrington Town, Altrincham and FC United of Manchester already confirmed, the Tamworth game will provide Macc’s sixth of seven tests against an eclectic mix of oppositions ahead of the 2026/27 Enterprise National League North Season.
The Staffordshire-based side managed by Andy Peakes compete in the National League and are preparing for a third season in the same division, one above the Silkmen. The Lambs have experienced success in recent years, achieving back-to-back promotions, with a rapid rise from the Southern Premier League to the top flight of non-league football inside two years.
There was significant media attention around Tamworth in their first season in the National League, almost mirroring Macc’s Emirates FA Cup run, falling short by one round having reached the Third Round in the 2024/25 season, following a famous first and second round victories against Huddersfield Town and Burton Albion before holding Tottenham Hotspur after 90 minutes in the Third but eventually falling to defeat in extra-time.
The Silkmen will meet the Lambs at a pivotal stage of each of their pre-season campaigns, with ten days to go until the beginning of their respective seasons, and will therefore be looking for encouraging individual and team performances from their respective sides as both Manager’s begin to piece together their teams for the opening day of the new season.
Both sides inevitably set their sights on promotion from their respective divisions with Macc keen to not suffer the same heartbreak of defeat in the play-offs, whilst Tamworth were very recently the subject of a successful takeover, now under the new ownership of Dawn Group International. Everyone at Macclesfield FC would like to congratulate Tamworth on this excellent news and wish them well for their upcoming season in the Enterprise National League.
As per the existing fixtures agreed earlier in the off-season, the test will allow John Rooney to identify areas requiring attention, and to try out various tactical and personnel options without the pressure of success, though of course a positive result would be a bonus to what will no doubt be a competitive Macc side, regardless of the nature of the occasion.
Those players already contracted for the 2026/27 season are all expected to feature in a limited capacity, including new signings George Wilson, Lincoln McFayden, Christian Dibble and Fin Shrimpton, who will all be eager to solidify their places in the Silkmen’s starting XI.
It is anticipated that additional trialists and academy graduates will also have their chance to impress as the season fast approaches, hoping to stake a claim for a place in Rooney’s side. Those who have impressed in the initial trial fixtures against Northwich Victoria, Colne and Barnoldswick Town are set to feature in the First Team friendlies, starting with Hyde and those who stand the test of time will continue their appearances in blue right through until the end of pre-season, including the Tamworth game, in the hope of earning a permanent contract.
Ticket details are still to be confirmed and will be published at a later date, closer to the date of the game. Supporters are welcome to attend and will be provided with further information at the earliest opportunity.
