MATCH REPORT: MACCLESFIELD 4 V 0 LEEK TOWN

The Silkmen claimed the derby day bragging rights, as a rampant first-half hat trick from James Berry helped see off Leek Town and move Macc eight points clear at the Northern Premier League West Division summit.

Interim Head Coacch Neil Danns made two changes from the victory over Widnes, as James Hardy and Brandon Lee returned to the starting eleven.

The visitors had the better of the early stages with Dan Trickett-Smith denied by a last-ditch Tre Pemberton block representing the most potent threat.

Scott Wara also came close on two occasions for Leek, with the midfielder’s two powerful headers each going agonising wide within minutes of each other.

Just before the half-hour mark, Macclesfield took the lead as James Berry continued his fine goalscoring form as he latched onto Neil Kengni’s layoff to drive the ball into the net.

Leek almost equalised moments later, as Wyll Stanway made an excellent stop to deny Rob Stevenson’s low, driven effort.

Macc then doubled their lead in sublime fashion, as Brandon Lee’s cross was volleyed superbly into the top corner by James Hardy to open his Silkmen account.

Almost instantly it was three, as Berry once again latched onto a loose pass and slotted calmly past Roberts in the visiting goal.

The visitors then went close once again as Macc failed to clear their lines – but Tim Grice’s effort was easily smothered by Stanway.

Just before the half-time whistle, Berry made it three hat-tricks in four games as Kengni won the ball back in the middle of the park before feeding Berry to slot home his third.

Leek could well have reduced the arrears just after the break, as Oliver Harrison’s shot on the turn went narrowly wide of the far post.

Macc almost made it five as Danns did brilliantly to evade a number of challenges, before finding Hardy stabbed his shot just over the bar.

The Silkmen managed the second half very well, offering second-place Leek very little time on the ball and chances on goal.

James Hardy went close again after good work from new Silkman Ntumba Massanka – who found the former Buxton man in space, but his shot was charged down.

A professional display from Macclesfield as Neil Danns and Mark Duffy keep up their perfect record in interim charge, as attention now turns to next Saturday’s trip to Kidsgrove Athletic.

Macclesfield: Stanway, Pemberton, Lee, Fensome (’77), Mendy, Murphy, Kengni, Danns, Maynard (’59), Hardy, Berry (’70).

Subs: Massanka (’59), Curran (’70), Cowan (’77).

Unused Subs: Grimshaw, Drummond

Attendance: 4313.

By Ben Leah.

More From Our Blog

Preview: Leek Town (H)

Preview: Leek Town (H)

Boxing Day Football at the Leasing.com Stadium as Macclesfield FC host Leek Town in an A523 derby.  Robbie Savage's sit pretty at the top over the Christmas period and will be hoping for another three points in front of a capacity crowd. Leek will be hoping to spoil...

Preview: Prescot Cables (A)

Preview: Prescot Cables (A)

We are back on our travels for the final time in 2024 as we make the journey to Merseyside to face Prescot Cables.  The Silkmen defeated Bamber Bridge in midweek to go 16 points clear at the Northern Premier League summit. Our hosts currently sit 15th in the league...

Preview: Bamber Bridge (A)

Preview: Bamber Bridge (A)

We are back on our travels this evening as we travel to Central Lancashire to face Bamber Bridge.  The Silkmen returned to league action on Saturday with a victory over Stockton Town at the Leasing.com Stadium. Our hosts are in strong form in the league, after being...

TICKET INFORMATION: PRESCOT CABLES (A)

TICKET INFORMATION: PRESCOT CABLES (A)

We are able to provide ticket information for Saturday's trip to Prescot Cables.  At this stage, this game is an all-ticket event. Tickets must be purchased online before Friday to ensure your spot at the Auto Safety Centre Stadium ahead of the game. We highly...

Report: Stockton Town

Report: Stockton Town

Macclesfield FC cruise their way to victory after a 4-1 win against Stockton Town. The Silkmen’s top scorer, Danny Elliott, added another goal to his tally for the season after breaking the deadlock inside 11 minutes. 10 minutes later, Stockton Town’s captain, Adam...

Preview: Stockton Town (H)

Preview: Stockton Town (H)

Back at home in league action as we welcome Stockton Town to the Leasing.com Stadium.  Robbie Savage's side will be hoping to bounce back from our penalty shootout exit against Altrincham at the weekend. Stockton come into the game full of confidence following their...