Two minutes with… Macclesfield Town

For the first of many Friday night games planned for the Bees this season, Macclesfield Town came to Underhill last week. For me it was the first game since that horror defeat – 6–3 to Burton Albion – and we beat the Silkmen 2–1. In this instalment I managed to get the views from Macclesfield fan, Ryan and Adam (aka @adamswfc), a neutral who came to the game with his mate.

25/11/11
Barnet 2 – 1 Macclesfield Town
(McLeod ’41 ’45 – Hamshaw ’61)
Attendance 2,200 (away 142)

How did you get to the game?

Ryan: I came down on the coach, put on by the Silkmen Supporters’ Trust.

What did you do pre-match?

Ryan: I went to the Old Red Lion pub, just behind Underhill.

Where did you sit/stand in the ground?

Ryan: I sat behind the goal in the ‘fake seats’ [the North East family stand].

What did you make of the game?

Adam: There was a lack of creativity in the first half, with long ball tactics being employed – eventually leading to two Barnet penalties (which were slightly soft). In my opinion, the referee favoured the home side. Barnet’s number 10 [Sam Deering] looked a very decent player, and should have been man of the match.

Was the scoreline a fair reflection?

Ryan: No the score wasn’t fair.

Adam: Probably not – I’d say Macclesfield created more chances, but couldn’t finish. The Barnet penalties were a bit dubious and they only really started playing in the second half.

Who, in your opinion was man of the match?

Ryan: Jose Veiga.

Who have you got next, and how do you think you’ll get on?

Ryan: It’s FA Cup weekend and we play Chelmsford City in the second round. I think Macc will win 3–1.

Thanks lads.

My final word:

Unbeaten throughout November, and finally good to turn our cup performances into League games. Although it wasn’t a particularly good game, largely unhelped by the tactics employed by Macclesfield (particularly in the second half), I think everyone is more than happy with the three points that get us further from the drop-zone. It’s the first game to I’d been to since Burton at home, so was pleased to see a couple of the new loan signings in action – even more so, after hearing many good things about them over the last couple of weeks or so. The two defenders Jack Saville (from Southampton) and Michael Hector (from Reading) impressed me, and have definitely helped to stabilise the back four. Maybe the turnaround is finally on…