The Silkmen progressed to the First Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup with a convincing victory over fellow Northern Premier League West Division side Mossley.
Macc were closely matched in the opening stages, with Mossley skipper Andy Keogh causing problems for the defence – culminating in him firing past Pitaluga to give the hosts the lead.
Mossley were only ahead for a short period however – with James Berry responding with a magnificent, low strike from range which he lashed beyond Latham to restore parity.
Both sides then proceeded to cancel each other out for the remainder of the half – despite their best efforts to edge in front before the break.
Nicky Maynard collided with the advertising hoardings on the brink of the interval, fortunately he was ok to continue despite sustaining damage to his wrist in the process.
With the scores level at the break, both teams were keen and determined to change that in the early stages of the second half. It was Macclesfield who asked more questions of the opposing defence – led by James Berry who looked to catch Latham off his line within seconds of the restart.
Macc’s heavy pressure on the Mossley backline eventually resulted in a penalty being awarded due to a handball inside the area. Alex Curran made no mistake from the spot to put the Silkmen ahead ten minutes into the second period.
Not resting on their laurels, Nicky Maynard doubled the lead just eight minutes later, creating space for himself inside the area – setting his sights and firing low and hard into the bottom corner.
In the immediate aftermath of the goal, Neil Kengni was replaced by Tom Clare, with Danny Whitaker evidently looking to rest legs, but also re-instate further attacking fire power.
James Berry tried his luck to further Macc’s advantage and was unlucky not to do so as a trademark curling effort of his from distance flew just wide of the far top corner.
Despite clear intentions to extend the lead and the defence remaining assured, Mossley substitute Tyler Savage unexpectedly and rather suddenly found himself in on goal and he kept his cool to reduce the deficit.
Unwilling to allow Mossley back in to the tie, the Silkmen immediately restored their two goal advantage in as many minutes, as Brandon Lee’s pinpoint cross was nodded home by Andy Owens at the back post.
A minimum of six minutes of additional time at the end of the game were indicated with Macclesfield looking comfortable.
Mason Fawns squandered a big chance to grab one back for Mossley late on, which transpired to be the last kick of the game.
Macclesfield progress to the First Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup, with the draw taking place at 13:00 tomorrow.
The Silkmen’s home league fixture against Kidsgrove Athletic on Tuesday has subsequently been postponed, with The Grove facing a Preliminary Round replay against Lye Town that has been scheduled for the same date.
Macclesfield FC: Pitaluga, Pemberton, Lee, Fensome, Cowan, Fryers, Kengni (Clare 64’), Mendy, Maynard (Owens 70’), Curran, Berry (Bunney 74’).
Subs not used: Bell, Duffy, Bower, Grimshaw.
By Will Jones.
