The Silkmen were left counting the cost of two questionable refereeing decisions at Gigg Lane this evening. Despite a much improved performance it was the home side who pocketed all three points thanks to goals from Ryan Lowe (penalty) and substitute Andy Bishop.

The Silkmen were pegged back to be beaten 2-1 at a Bury side who made it six straight League Two wins.

The Silkmen began the game in a 5-3-2 formation and looked like they were going to try and take the game to their opposition. And there were calls for a penalty after just 10 minutes when Emile Sinclair broke into the box but was shoved in the back as he shaped to square the ball to Lindfield.

Lee Bell had the first shot in anger of the game as a free kick was half cleared, but his low shot was well wide of the post.

There was some good fortune for the Silkmen after 15 minutes when a low cross from the right found Lowe, who somehow blazed over the bar from five yards out.

Five minutes later the home side won a free kick which was deflected off the wall for a corner.

Soon afterwards the Silkmen were ahead through debutant Richard Butcher. A Silkmen free kick eventually found Sean Hessey inspace and his powerfully drilled cross was deflected home by Butcher. It was a rare piece of good fortune for the Blues.

But any luck was immediately cancelled out three minutes later. Daniel and Lowe jumped for a 50-50 ball in the Macclesfield box and the referee pointed to the spot when the Bury man tumbled to the floor.

Lee Bell went close forcing a save from a low shot and the Silkmen were asking questions of the officials again when Bury 'keeper Brown came rushing out of his area and seemed to catch the ball momentarily, but the arguments were waved away.

At the other end Paul Morgan had to be in the right place at the right time to block a dangerous cross and there was a break when Bell and Dawson went for the same ball leaving Dawson worst off with both players booked.

Half Time

Early in the second half both sides traded unsuccessful shots. First Ricky Sappleton saw his low drive well blocked, and Worrell shot over the bar four minutes later.

The second half had degenerated into a scrappy affair with set pieces forcing the only real chances.

Ricky Sappleton was forced out of action just after the hour with a pulled hamstring and replaced by Ben Wright and moments later the Silkmen had another good chance. A great run from Emile Sinclair beat three defenders before being tackled as he made it into the box. Ben Wright was fouled trying to pick up the loose ball winning a free kick.

Lee Bell hit the wall and the ball fall to Junior Daniel, but his first-time shot went over the bar.

Craig Lindfield was replaced by Greg Mills but the home side took the lead soon after. And again the Silkmen players were surrounding the officials as Hewson seemed to be a clear two yards offside when he ran clear, crossing low into the box. The Silkmen could only clear as far as Bishop who side-footed into an empty net from two yards out. Paul Morgan saw a yellow card for his complaints to the linesman.

Emile Sinclair was replaced by Matt Tipton but despite two more free-kicks, the Silkmen couldn't muster a second goal, coming closest when Ben Wright headed wide from a cross and then a minute later when a free-kick found Nat Brown in space in the box only to be ruled offside.