The Silkmen picked up their first away win of the season on Saturday with a hard fought victory over Port Vale. Tom France (pictured) popped up with the only goal of the game at Vale Park on 55 minutes after good work from Greg Daniels.

It was the young midfielder's second goal of the North West Youth Alliance campaign, having netted from the spot against Shrewsbury Town. Collecting the ball from Daniels cross, his excellent first touch was followed up with a neat strike into the bottom corner

"First and foremost it was great to get another win," explained manager John Askey. "I was delighted with the clean sheer as we've been conceding too many goals for my liking in recent weeks. It's something we've been working on in training and the hard work paid off."

"As is often the case when you tighten up at the back you sacrifice a bit up front. But Tom popped up with a good goal and it shows that we aren't just reliant on the likes of Vinny and Sam Cook who have been on fire for us so far this season."

"We're starting to get that consistency winning sides need to turn themselves into really good sides and the challenge is now to keep it going."

NEXT UP

The youngsters have a rest from league action this weekend when they entertain Rochdale in 1st Round of the Youth Alliance Cup.

"Rochdale are doing well this season," explained John. "So it will be a good test. Realistically its our best chance of cup success so its a competition we want to do well in."

Kick-off at the Moss Rose is 11am (admission free).