Matthew Tipton is hoping for a starting role after coming off the bench to score in the midweek encounter at Accrington.

The striker has had to be content with a place on the bench in recent weeks but after scoring his 50th League goal for the Silkmen from the spot on Tuesday he is desperate for a chance to impress over ninety minutes. And what better game than Saturday's match with former club Bury.

"It's been frustrating been stuck on the bench," explained Tippy, "but that's secondary to losing the gaffer. It's not something that has ever happened to me and nothing can prepare you for such terrible news. So it's been a tough last week or so as you can imagine."

"But the gaffer would have wanted us to go out there and it's pleasing that we have managed to pick up four points from two away games."

"The pitch at Accrington made it almost impossible to play a game of football. That sounds like an excuse but when the majority of the surface is covered in sand, it was like playing on a beach at times."

"The two young lads up front ran their socks off but we were struggling to hold onto the ball. So Simmo shoved me on, perhaps with a view to using my experience to help retain possession. I thought I did ok and it would be great to get a starting shirt this Saturday against one of my old teams."

"I hadn't realised it was my 50th League Goal but it's a nice landmark all the same. Prior to Tuesday I think we had only had three pens all season. I'd been on the pitch for two of those, scoring both, so I had no hesitation in picking the ball up. People tell me it hit both posts before going in, but I had no doubts and from where I was standing, it was tucked nicely in the corner off the inside of the post."

"Saturday is going to be another emotional day and one on which we want to honour Keith's memory with another good performance."