Macclesfield 4-1 Crewe

The Silkmen ran out 4-1 winners at the Moss Rose after the first home Cheshire derby with Crewe.

Despite the visitors retaining a lot of the possession, particularly in the second half, the Silkmen`s finishing was superior and for a change this season took their chances.

First up it was Ben Wright who was in the right place at the right time to nick home a deflected Junior Daniel strike. He turned provider for the second as his header and Emile`s flick-on caused havoc in the Crewe defence and sent Paul Bolland racing away. Bolly drew the ‘keeper and slotted the ball away for his first of the season.

By half an hour in, it was 3-0 to the Silkmen and Daniel was the scorer, hitting a spectacular curling strike from 35 yards out.

But the visitors weren`t simply cannon fodder as they attacked with some slick passing, and Jon Brain had to be on top form to tip the ball over the bar from a good shot.

In the second half the visitors continued to attack and whilst Brain was once again on hand to make a stunning save, the visitors were marshalled well by the Macc defence. When they did score, it had controversial overtones as Calvin Zola seemed to foul Jon Brain before dispatching the dropped ball home.

But the Silkmen`s nerve held out and it was Ricky Sappleton who put the game well beyond doubt, using his strength to get past a defender and ‘nutmeg` the Crewe ‘keeper to make it 4-1.