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And That's Four
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Macc sent packing
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By:
Eric Hitchmo
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26/11/2011
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More On Macclesfield Town
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What a great month it has been.
Four wins, including progress in the FA Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy, and a draw against Wimbledon. Just what the doctor ordered after slipping into some real peril. Of course, that peril has not disappeared by any means, we're only 19th after all, however it would be fair to say that there's a far more positive feeling around the club after some encouraging performances.
Last night's victory was ugly at best. The opposition contributed somewhat to that with some very physical play that resulted in seven yellow cards and a red, as well as two penalties conceded. Free-flowing football was not prevalent, with limited goalscoring opportunities at both ends but it was good to come out on top of a feisty encounter. Macc may have a case to feel agrieved as it was one of those evenings where everything seemed to go our way, but I guess that's what you get sometimes with such a cynical approach to football.
A decent crowd showed up for the Friday night experiment. Over 2,000 home supporters were in attendance with the cut price entrance fee. My pre-match scepticism dashed then, pleasingly so. I quite enjoyed the novelty of it to be honest. Plus, the East Terrace did pipe up with a bit of an atmosphere at times. Macc showed up with 142 supporters which was admirable for a Friday, even taking into account the free travel on offer. They were accommodated in the funny stand whilst home fans were afforded the whole East Terrace, though it wasn't particularly utilised.
The game was pretty scrappy throughout and goalmouth action was hard to come by. There were several very encouraging performances however, particularly in defence where the three loan boys and Danny Senda were again very solid. Where last Saturday it was Jack Saville, the pick of the bunch this time was Michael Hector, the lad from Reading, who was an absolute tower in the middle. His reading of the game alongside his commanding presence harked of an individual far older than his tender years, and he instilled a confidence in those around him. It must be Downing's turn next, and with the ability he has shown, you wouldn't put it past him. Saville was again sound outside of his natural position.
In midfield we had to be tough against such a physical approach. With Mark Hughes, you know you are going to get just that, and Clovis Kamdjo is growing into his new role more and more with every game he plays. Clovis is fast becoming a real cult hero at the club and has still played every single minute of this season so far. Sam Deering had a blinding game and was my man of the match. In a match where the ball seemed to stay in the air almost permanently, Sam was at the heart of all that was good with the ball on the deck. He's a great little player.
Izale McLeod got himself on the scoresheet for the fourth league game running with two penalties at the end of the first half. By the letter of the law, they were both penalties, but they were just so weak and soft to give away. Mark Marshall was dragged down in the box for the first, which seemed to take an age. It was one of those that was so obviously going to happen the moment the ball went into the box. McLeod stepped up and sent the 'keeper the wrong way. Minutes later, Sam Deering was upended by the 'keeper as he went through on goal. Macc claimed there was no contact, but it was another one you could spot coming a mile off. McLeod again did the business to take his personal tally for the season up to 15. You start to wonder just how many he might get if he stays until the end of the season.
A 2-0 lead at half time was certainly a bit harsh on the visitors as neither side had really done enough to earn an advantage by the break. However, we'll take that right now. It's also an odd feeling, having a two goal advantage at half time has become so unfamiliar! The second half followed much the same pattern, and our only piece of lax defending all evening led to Macclesfield halfing the deficit. Though there was a suggestion of a foul in the build up which led to free men at the back post, play was allowed to continue and the experienced Matt Hamshaw finished coolly into the roof of the net.
Any danger of a comeback was reduced moments later as the visitors had a man sent off for an ugly challenge on Hector. The ball went loose, Hector seemed to slip and was met with a fierce two-footed lunge from the Macc man Ross Draper who was given his marching orders following a melee in the middle of the field. It certainly served to spice things up both on and off the pitch as tempers flared. Some of the Macclesfield directors/staff at the front of the Main Stand were very riled and were told to be quiet by several people in no uncertain terms. Pretty funny really.
It put paid to any momentum that they may have gained and in the end, we were pretty comfortable. Dean Brill was not severely tested and we earned another important three points. Macc will feel that the referee has not had his best night at the office and you can offer some sympathy towards that view, but in truth, they didn't bring much to the table and thus go home empty handed.
For us, our focus is back on the cup with two more home games on the way. Who's to say with such improvement in November, that we can't pull off two more shocks.
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