Bradford 1-1 Macclesfield

The Silkmen earneda point in a a battling performance at Valley Parade, with only a highly dubious penalty pegging them back after Franny Green’s opener.

Macc were patched up at the back after Danny Swailes did not appear on the teamsheet. Desite being named as captain the day before, he as nowhere to be seen, fuelling rumours that he will be leaving the club.

The Silkmen looked sharp early on and almost took the lead when Green crossed to Thomas on the far post, but the winger couldn’t stretch to connect.

But the Silkmen were ahead after just nine minutes. A great team move worked the ball to Green on the left and his drilled shot beat the ‘keeper and snuck in at the far post.

Macc continued to press without really threatening, and rode their luck at the back at times.

But there was no doubting the good fortune of Bradford’s leveller. What appeared at first glance, and was later proved to be a brilliant challenge by Dimech saw the rookie referee play to the crowd and point to the spot.

Conlon’s kick was well saved, but Ndumbu-Nsungu reacted fastest to tap in the rebound.

Bradford Manager Stuart McCall showed real honesty after the game to admit outright that the spot kick was the wrong decision.

The second half saw Macc more on the back foot and Conlon was guilty of more than one glaring miss. Daley should have scored when put through one-on-one but hit the post thanks to great positional play from Lee.

The Silkmen battled to keep the scoreline the same and couldn’t get behind the Bradford back-line.

Overall a great battling performance which shows the Blues will have a great chance against the rest of the division. possibly the hardest match of the season is already behind us.