The Silkmen made it three wins in a row in all competitions last night, as James Berry’s brace helped see off Newcastle Town in the NPL West Division.
Danny Whitaker’s side came into proceedings off the back of a strong win away at Glossop North End at the weekend as the Silkmen welcomed Sammy McIlroy back to the Macclesfield technical area.
It was the visitors who started the better of the two sides as Ethan Vale and Jacob Lovatt fired snapshots that didn’t threaten Marcelo Pitaluga’s goal.
Macc then found their way into the game with a number of chances in quick succession, most notably Neil Danns backheeling a James Berry cross just wide of the post.
The hosts then had a major shout for a penalty turned down as Neil Kengni broke into the penalty area before seemingly being chopped down – only for the referee to adjudge it not being a foul.
The pressure was all coming from Macclesfield, as Brandon Lee surged forward from left-back before firing a shot that was saved by the foot of Joseph Slinn in the Castle goal.
From the resulting corner, Macc took the lead the ball reached Mark Duffy who found Danns who crossed into the area for Alex Curran to rise highest and head home.
It was almost two for the hosts moments later as another Danns cross was met by James Berry sneaking in at the back post but headed straight at Slinn.
Early in the second half, Berry again laid siege to the Castle goal as Mark Duffy’s innovative through ball played in the winger who fired well the bar.
Midway through the second half, Berry got his goal as Kengni’s cross from the right was met by James to volley a low effort past Slinn to bring up double figures for the season.
Town should have got a goal back 10 minutes from time as Macc lost possession in the middle of the park – leaving Christopher Smith one on one with Pitaluga but the Brazilian closed the angle well and Smith fired wide.
Moments later, the Silkmen sealed the win with that man Berry striking again.
After good build-up play from Curran, he dinked a ball through to the former Altrincham man who slotted past the keeper to end the game as a contest.
Attention now turns to Saturday afternoon, as 1874 Northwich make the short trip to the Leasing,com Stadium in front of what is expected to be a large and vociferous crowd.
By Ben Leah.
