The Silkmen secured their place in the Fourth Round Qualifying of the Emirates FA Cup with a 2-0 win over fellow Cheshire East side Nantwich Town at the Leasing.com Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Four changes were made to the Silkmen side that lost late on at Chorley last week with Brandon Lee, Paul Dawson, James Edmondson and Justin Johnson coming back into the fold.
A fairly tame first half ensued with both Macc and Northwich pushing for an opener in the initial stages, with each side sharing the chances inside ten minutes via Danny Whitehead and Joel Connolly respectively, with the dominance gradually shifting to the home team throughout the first period.
Sean Etaluku, Josh Kay, Paul Dawson and Justin Johnson all had opportunities to open the scoring in quick succession midway through the first half after a quick fire break lead by Kay either side of a corner won by D’Mani Mellor, though the quartet were either well denied by Nantwich keeper Ben Garratt. James Edmondson also came close with an effort from range a little later, though dragged his effort wide of the mark.
Despite a relatively evenly matched first half, the Silkmen took the lead four minutes after the interval through Josh Kay, who lashed home the first goal of the afternoon and his first for the Club with a vicious left footed strike.
Connolly continued to pose the main threat for the Dabbers, though was unable to test Dearnley significantly.
John Rooney ringed the changes midway through the half, as Macc’s authority began to show. Danny Elliott, Luke Duffy and Luis Lacey were all introduced simultaneously just after the hour mark, with D’Mani Mellor, Justin Johnson and Brandon Lee making way.
Josh Kay continued to pull the strings throughout the second half, playing a pivotal role in Macc’s success, creating numerous chances from the number 10 position.
The Silkmen soon made their pressure pay via a substitute pairing, with Luke Duffy unselfishly squaring for Danny Elliott, who swept home a second from close range on 77 minutes.
Danny Whitehead and Lewis Fensome departed as Regan Griffiths and Sam Heathcote entered the action to make their mark with just over ten minutes to play.
It could’ve been three not long before time with James Edmondson narrowly missing the target from close range.
Four minutes were added on but Nantwich were unable to respond to the constant second half Silkmen onslaught.
The Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round Qualifying draw takes place at 2pm on Monday afternoon live on TalkSPORT.
Attendance: 1,387
MOTM: Josh Kay
