Macclesfield put on a good performance proving that they is still hope for the rest of the season.
Within one minute of kick-off Chesterfield had their first chance when Adam Smith made an attempt on goal, only to be quickly followed by Kevan Hurst's corner which landed straight in Alan Fettis' hands. The Silkmen's first opportunity to go a goal ahead was taken by Paul Harsley, then Danny Whitaker tried his chances.
A foul on Clyde Wijnhard resulted in a free-kick from 20 yards out, McIntyre's shot went straight through the defensive line but was saved by Barry Roche. Chesterfield's next attempt on goal came from Derek Niven, however it was deflected by Mark Bailey. Only moments later, at the other end of the pitch, a cross from Bailey gave Harsley the opportunity he needed to head the ball into the back of the net, unfortunately it went into the hands of the 'keeper instead.
The 31st minute could have been the beginning of the end for Macc when Wayne Allison headed the ball into the goal mouth, luckily The Silkmen were saved embarrassment when the goal was disallowed. Only two minutes later Whitaker took on three Chesterfield defenders but was foiled in the box.
A pass from Martin Bullock to David Beresford looked hopeful for the home side until the linesman ruled it off-side. Macc ended the first half with a deflected corner from Harlsey.
Half time
Shortly after the whistle was blown to begin the second half a corner form Hurst resulted in a very scrappy and frantic moment in the box, Chesterfield should have scored and The Silkmen should have cleared the ball straight away.
Wijnhard's first goal for Macc arrived following a cross from Beresford which he headed past the 'keeper in the 51st minute to score on his full debut.
Fancying his chances again, Hurst looked like he was going to cause some trouble for the Silkmen until Fettis charged out of the box to take him on. It was a dangerous move that luckily paid off on this occasion.
Both Harlsey and Beresford tried to work their magic but unfortunately they didn't succeed, followed quickly by a foul on Wijnhard that resulted in a free-kick to the Silkmen. Alan Navarro took the shot, but failed to hit the back of the net.
Chesterfield spent most of the second half fighting back, however none of it was too worrying for the home side.
In the 83rd minute Beresford curled the ball beautifully around the 'keeper, who had no chance of stopping it, doubling The Silkmen's lead. Moments later Beresford made a great cross to Wijnhard who was obviously looking for his second goal, unfortunately it went over the cross bar.
It was Chesterfield that tried to make the most of the dying moments of the game, but fortunately for Macc they didn't get the opportunity they were looking for. Let's hope The Silkmen use the confidence they've gained from tonight's match against Torquay at the weekend. Brian Horton made no substitutions this evening and it'll be interesting to see if he puts the same team forward on Saturday.
Brian Horton's comments on tonight's game will be issued on Wednesday morning.
