The Silkmen began the game knowing that a win could all but secure League football for another season but there was much of the 'end of seasons' in the opening stages.

With Bradford not playing up to their large crowd and the Silkmen happy to contain and work on the break the first 15 minutes saw little real goalmouth action.

The Silkmen were using Emile Sinclair's pace as a dangerous outlet but a well drilled Bradford offside trap was frustrating the Macclesfield attack.

The first real chance of the game came 15 minutes in for the home side. Jon Brain was his solid self as he blocked a free header with his feet.

The Macc support, who could be heard over the far superior numbers of home supporters throughout the game, were on their feet as Mukendi went close as he saw his shot on the turn well saved after a dangerous Sinclair cross.

Jon Brain was in action again after half an hour and he was quick off his line to take the ball off the toe of Gareth Evans.

There was five minutes of the half remaining when the Blues took the lead. Zesh Rehman dallied on the ball and was caught in posession by Emile Sinclair. He used his pace to get away and slotted the ball under the onrushing Matt Glennon.

It was a great way to finish a half and the last five minutes and two added passed without serious incident to give the Silkmen a half time lead.

Half-time saw two substitutions for the home side as they looked to get back on level terms but it almost saw the Silkmen doubling their lead within minutes as Matt Lowe crossed to Vinny Mukendi but his header flew just over the bar.

But the first goal of the second period was not long in coming and there was only a couple of minutes on the clock when Gareth Evans won a battle on the right flank and crossed low to the middle. Brain was a match for the first shot but the ball fell kindly for Luke Oliver who found the roof of the net to make it 1-1.

Macc had to withstand a period of heavy pressure afterthe goal as the home side controlled much of the posession without carving out any clear chances and the Silkmen began to reassert themselves on the game before taking the lead.

Sinclair was involved again as he slid a ball through to Matt Lowe and the youngster whipped a low cross over to Ben Wright. The forward was being closed down the the 'keeper but managed to touch the ball past him and into the back of the net to male it 2-1.

The home side made their third substitution just before Bolland was replaced by Izak Reid a few minutes before the Silkmen could have extended their lead. This time it was Vinny Mukendi providing the cross but with Ben Wright looking at a tap-in a defender managed to thump the ball clear with an outstretched leg.

Tipton came on for Sinclair for the last five minutes to help settle things down and despite an inexplicible four minutes being added, the Silkmen held out for a first ever win over the Bantams.