Podcast available on all good platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. Or you can listen through the player above.

We’re activley looking for more contributors to the podcast in particular from people who are under represented within the fan base. Do get in touch if you’re intrested in getting involved. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future podcasts then leave us a comment and we’ll get it in for future episodes.

And what a way to do it 1-3 down against South Shields the Silkmen turned it around for a 4-3 win against one of the bookies favourites for the league title last weekend. Madness at the Leasing.com that followed another huge comeback win in the FA Cup against Scarborough Athletic to see Macclesfield in touching distance of trips in consecutive seasons to the First Round with a huge fixture against England legend Dave Nugent’s Anstey Nomads on Saturday. We’ll have a good preview of that one and a chat over all the drama from those massive recent wins.

Podcast available on all good platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. Or you can listen through the player above.

We’re activley looking for more contributors to the podcast in particular from people who are under represented within the fan base. Do get in touch if you’re intrested in getting involved. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future podcasts then leave us a comment and we’ll get it in for future episodes.

This edition of the Silkmen News will focus on how Macclesfield came back from the brink in a seven-goal thriller against South Shields and we’ll take a closer look at the performances of Luke Duffy, Jonathan Ustabasi, George Wilson, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and our defence as a whole.

We are top of the league

There are victories that earn three points, and there are victories that tell us something more significant about John Rooney’s team. Macclesfield’s remarkable 4-3 win over South Shields felt very much like the latter.

At 2-0 down after 12 minutes and later trailing 3-1 as we approached half-time, this looked set to be the afternoon when the Silkmen’s promotion credentials where questioned. Instead, we produced our most impressive result of the season, not because we dominated, but because the players emptied their tanks, executed the gameplan and refused to be beaten.

This was even more commendable given Macclesfield had to go to hell and back to ultimately prevail against Scarborough in the FA Cup qualifier, whilst playing without injured talisman Paul Dawson against a fresh South Shields side.

The statistics are fascinating, but only tell half the story. To properly understand Saturday’s drama, we need to examine both halves separately.

First-half: South Shields should have been out of sight

For 45 minutes, South Shields demonstrated exactly why they remain one of the division’s most talented sides. Their start was devastating, orchestrated by the dangerous front pairing of goal machine Paul Blackett and Cedwyn Scott who led Macc’s backline a merry dance.

Two quickfire goals stunned the Leasing.com stadium and immediately put Macclesfield on the back foot. The visitors were at their incisive best, outclassing the Silkmen at times with sublime passing and movement which begrudgingly you had to admire.

They were given a helping hand though by Macc’s chaotic defensive high line with left back Cameron Borthwick-Jackson exposed. Based purely on the data alone, CBJ had a good game. A vital goal to give us hope and some excellent defensive numbers – Cameron won 6 out of 6 ground duels and made 11 defensive contributions (4 interceptions, 6 clearances and 1 blocked shot), with a passing accuracy of 84%.

So what’s the problem?

The (big) problem is that CBJ, at this stage in his career, is a liability as a full-back but remains a very good centre half. However at left back CBJ is slow, lacks the appetite to run the line as modern full-backs invariably do, and his positional negligence drags our other centre halves (Heathcote and Tom Wilson) out to cover for him leaving gaping holes in the centre of our defence.

As a centre back, Borthwick-Jackson’s reading of the game and calmness in possession is often first class, and to his credit CBJ gave a much improved second half showing. He’s having to ‘do a job’ whilst the Silkmen’s other preferred left backs Lincoln McFayden and Louis Lacey recover from nasty injuries.

John Rooney’s recent preference has been to play Ammar Dyer in his natural right back berth, rather than shift Dyer across to left back and ask Elliot Osborne to ‘do a job’ at right back.

The visitors identified Macc’s weakness and took full advantage. But it wasn’t just CBJ who was exposed in the first-half. Our entire backline didn’t know when to press, when to push up for offside or who should pick-up Blackett and Scott when they dropped into midfield.

The danger signals were there before Shields took the lead. Matthew Apter got brushed off the ball and it broke loose to Scott. Sam Heathcote attempted the press but Scott’s hooked pass sent Blackett on his way. CBJ and Dyer were on halfway and with Tom Wilson 10 yards behind them, there was no chance of catching Shields offside.

Thankfully, Christian Dibble came to Macc’s rescue (his first of many) by saving with his legs as Blackett drifted slightly wide before shooting. But Blackett made no mistake when given a second bite at the cherry in almost identical fashion. Apter again lost out in the middle of the park, Scott enticed Heathcote out to close him down before threading a slide rule pass through a gaping hole to Blackett who cooly made it 0-1.

Blackett then missed a glorious opportunity to score another, springing the offside trap with CBJ in no man’s land as Heathcote and Wilson frantically called for the linesman to flag. Thankfully, Wilson regrouped and made a sensational sliding tackle to thwart Blackett as the normally clinical striker took too long to pull the trigger.

It seemed impossible for our start to get worse, but it did. A slack header from Borthwick-Jackson back towards his own goal sent right winger Jordan Jones racing clear who clinically drilled pass Dibble. 0-2. I don’t know what CBJ was thinking. (Tom) Wilson had pushed up beyond halfway to mark Blackett, as had Dyer, leaving Heathcote 10 yards adrift of them.

Blackett anticipated the danger quicker than Wilson and pounced on the error, releasing Jones before Heathcote (once again) could intervene leaving the Silkmen in a pickle.

Borthwick-Jackson, meanwhile, was miles adrift of Jones, having reacted with the urgency of a tortoise after ten pints.

The Silkmen could have gone under, and thanks primarily to Tom Wilson and Luke Duffy (more on the magnificent Duffs later) they stuck at it.

Duffy, now operating centrally, took the ball, turned and sprayed the ball out to Danny Elliott whose pinpoint cross found Josh Kay steaming in from the right to pull a goal back. A lovely, free-flowing move capped by a brilliant run and calm finish from the ever-industrious Kayzee (or is it Kayze?).

Just when the Silkmen faithful’s mood was brightening, South Shields made it 3-1 following another quality move. Scott gave Heathcote the slip as had become customary and found Blackett on the right touchline.

Wilson tried to occupy the space where he expected CBJ to be.

This allowed Blackett to feed the unmarked Scott who scored with an excellent sweeping finish as Macclesfield chased shadows, although ‘chased’ may be a little charitable to CBJ.

Perhaps unkindly, I’ve shined the spotlight on CBJ but our defence overall was cut to ribbons. In fairness to Cameron his goal to make it 3-2, a powerful downward header from a Duffy corner which saw him beat four Shields defenders, was crucial in keeping the Silkmen in the game and arguably changed the complexion of the second half.

And like everyone, CBJ was excellent after the break and didn’t put a foot wrong in restricting the visitors to hardly any sights of goal.

But had Blackett and midfielder Onanaye taken their chances, Shields could have had six goals in the first half and should have been 4-2 up going into the interval. Their movement caused problems, their attacking play was enterprising and the Mariners looked dangerous every time they broke forward. The stats highlight just why.

• 62% possession

• 654 passes

• 14 shots (7 on target, 10 inside the box)

• 2.01 xG (expected goals), which feels low given Blackett and Onaneye were clean through on three occasions only to be denied by Dibble who got his angles and reflexes spot on

Second half: momentum changed everything

If the first half belonged largely to South Shields, the second half saw a resurgent and relentless Macc take charge. Within three minutes of the restart, Jonathan Ustabasi was sent racing clear after a purposeful through ball from Duffy before his deflected shot made it 3-3.

It was brilliant to see ‘Basi’ in full flight, who still had a lot to do in turning struggling full-back Daniel Dodds inside-out to create the space for his strike. The stadium erupted and you could sense that South Shields were rattled.

For all of their possession throughout the afternoon, the Mariners increasingly struggled to halt Macclesfield’s momentum. The Silkmen became more aggressive in midfield, more direct in attack and more dominant in individual battles. Excellent pressing by Danny Elliott led to a chance for Duffy who was denied by an outstanding save from Jasper Sheik.

By the time Elliott fired home the winner following George Wilson’s delicious through ball four minutes later, the comeback felt deserved rather than fortunate. From 3-1 down after 42 minutes, to 4-3 up after 69 minutes to complete a breathtaking turnaround.

That’s now eight goals for Danny this season, five in the league and three in the FA Cup, which far exceeds what any of us could have expected following his return after eight months on the sidelines. His run and assist for Kay’s opener was well crafted, he harried Shields’ defence into mistakes and produced a clinical finish to seal a huge win.

Possession doesn’t always mean control

One of the most interesting aspects of the match is the contrast between possession and influence. South Shields controlled the ball, Macclesfield controlled the big moments in the second half. Despite having just 38% possession and completing nearly 300 fewer passes, the Silkmen kept pace with South Shields in terms of genuine attacking threat.

Our expected goals figures finished:

• South Shields: 2.01

• Macclesfield: 1.59

That is a surprisingly small gap given the visitors’ territorial dominance. The statistics suggest much of Shields’ possession in the second half came in areas Macclesfield were comfortable allowing them to occupy. Meanwhile, when the Silkmen attacked, we did so with purpose.

Our shooting profile was exceptional:

• 8 shots (all on target)

• 7 shots inside the box

• 4 goals

For a side whose attacking prowess has been questioned this season during our data deep-dive last week, it was a ruthless display from Rooney’s warriors. Prior to Saturday, Macclesfield had taken 136 attempts and only produced 13 goals from 10 league games. Ironically, our eight shots against South Shields was the fewest we’ve had against any other team this season.

Duffy’s tactical switch and return to form was pivotal

While much of the attention will focus on the goalscorers, Luke Duffy gradually became the most influential player on the pitch. After beginning the season with three goals and an assist, Duffy’s productivity had dipped during the team’s sticky September.

As our performances became disjointed, Duffy’s form had noticeably dipped by his own high standards. Saturday felt like a return to his majestic best.

John Rooney deserves considerable credit here. With Macclesfield struggling in the opening stages, a tactical switch saw Duffy move into a more central attacking midfield role, while Josh Kay was switched over to the right.

The impact was almost immediate. For Macclesfield’s first goal, Duffy’s intelligent positioning allowed him to release Danny Elliott down the left. Elliott delivered the perfect cross and Kay arrived from the opposite flank to finish.

Rooney’s tactical adjustment changed the dynamic of the game. Duffy finished with:

• 2 assists

• Involvement in 3 of Macclesfield’s 4 goals

• 11 ground duels won

• 3 successful dribbles from 3 attempts

• 81% passing accuracy

The part he played in Ustabasi’s equaliser was equally impressive. Macclesfield are a different side when Duffy is in full flow, and Saturday offered a timely reminder why.

Ustabasi may have finally arrived

There may be no more intriguing subplot than the performance of Jon Ustabasi. When he arrived in the summer after tormenting National League North defences with AFC Fylde, expectations were understandably high.

Yet heading into Saturday, the numbers told a story of frustration rather than fulfilment. After ten league games, Ustabasi had recorded:

• 1 goal

• 1 assist

• 13 shots

• 11 chances created

• 16 dribbles attempted

• Just 8 successful dribbles

Ustabasi’s talent has long been obvious, but thus far for the Silkmen his output has been limited. Against South Shields, however, supporters finally witnessed the type of display they had been anticipating.

‘Basi’s goal after 48 minutes made for a grandstand second half. Yet it wasn’t simply about scoring, Ustabasi was everywhere. He finished with:

• 51 touches

• 5 successful dribbles

• 12 ground duels won

• 3 fouls won

• 1 goal from his only shot on target

Perhaps most significantly, he completed five successful dribbles in one game after managing only eight across his first ten league appearances. This was the direct, aggressive, confident Ustabasi that Macclesfield thought they had signed. One game doesn’t erase a difficult start, but it certainly felt like a breakthrough performance.

George Wilson’s match-winning cameo

If Duffy reignited the attack and Ustabasi announced himself, George Wilson delivered the decisive intervention. Introduced in the 57th minute with the scores level at 3-3, Wilson changed the complexion of the midfield.

One of the dangers when a team completes a comeback is that momentum naturally dissipates. Wilson made sure it didn’t. His contribution in just over half an hour was extraordinary:

• 8 ground duels won from 10 contested

• 4 interceptions

• 6 recoveries

• 91% passing accuracy

• 1 assist

Every loose ball seemed to belong to Wilson, while every South Shields attack appeared to run into him.

George’s numbers tell the story of a player who completely seized control of midfield when the game was in the balance. Then came the defining moment. Wilson’s perfectly weighted through ball split the South Shields defence and allowed Danny Elliott to score the winner. An outstanding assist to cap an outstanding cameo.

Final Verdict

Saturday’s victory will rightly be remembered for the drama. But strip away the emotion and the result reveals something more interesting about both sides.

For South Shields, the match reinforced concerns that have been developing for several weeks. Their attacking quality is unquestionable. Any side capable of scoring three goals away from home and racing into a two-goal lead possesses genuine threat. Yet their defensive problems are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

Having now conceded 13 goals in away trips to Hereford, Brackley and Macclesfield, there is growing evidence that opponents are finding it too easy to exploit the Mariners when games become stretched, or momentum swings against them.

For the Silkmen, the picture is slightly more complicated. The comeback demonstrated phenomenal resilience, mentality and belief. The contributions of Luke Duffy, Jonathan Ustabasi and George Wilson highlighted the depth of talent available to John Rooney, while the ruthless finishing was a welcome contrast to some of the wastefulness previously identified.

However, there remains a warning sign hidden beneath the celebrations. Macclesfield have now fallen behind in six of their opening 14 competitive matches this season.

More remarkably, they have gone behind in exactly half (22) of their last 44 league and cup fixtures stretching back to the start of 2026.

The positive interpretation is obvious. This team simply refuses to accept defeat. In the league alone this season, the Silkmen have recovered from deficits to beat Radcliffe, Brackley, Darlington and South Shields. Those are not the characteristics of a side lacking character or championship credentials.

The concern is equally obvious. Promotion-winning teams cannot rely on comeback victories indefinitely. Recovering from 2-0 or 3-1 down requires huge emotional, physical and tactical expenditure. Sooner or later, there will be afternoons when the chances are not converted, the momentum does not swing and the comeback never arrives.

In many ways, Saturday felt like the perfect illustration of both sides of Macclesfield’s season so far. The first half exposed a vulnerability. The second half showcased a strength. The challenge moving forward is ensuring the latter does not continually have to compensate for the former.

For now, though, the positives far outweigh the concerns. Duffy looked back to his creative best. Ustabasi may finally have produced the breakthrough performance supporters have been waiting for and (George) Wilson looked like a complete midfielder in delivering his superb contribution from the bench.

Most importantly, the league leaders demonstrated once again that they possess an ability that cannot be measured by xG, possession or passing statistics. The Silkmen believe.

And when a team keeps finding new ways to win football matches, that belief becomes a very powerful weapon indeed.

John Rooney’s men sit second in the National League North after 10 matches, just two points behind leaders Hereford, cementing Macclesfield FC among the early promotion contenders.

And not only that, Tuesday’ dramatic FA Cup qualifying win over Scarborough gives the Silkmen a presentable opportunity to reach the first round proper and dream of another giant killing act.

But how sustainable is our current league position, which clubs pose the greatest threat, and where might the table change as results begin to align more closely with the underlying performance data?

• xG means Expected Goals, the quality of chances created

• xGA means Expected Goals Against, the quality of chances conceded

• xGD means Expected Goal Difference, calculated by subtracting xGA from xG.

The headline takeaways for Silkmen supporters is encouraging, but cautionary, given Rooney’s newly assembled squad is still to gel.

However, our league position is supported by positive underlying numbers, although a significantly tougher forthcoming schedule will provide a much more searching test of Macc’s. promotion credentials.

Elsewhere, Chester have produced the division’s strongest underlying performance, while Harborough Town and AFC Telford are playing considerably better than their league positions suggest.

Chorley, Hebburn Town and South Shields, meanwhile, are among the teams whose present results look least sustainable.

Executive summary

What the actual results tell us

• Hereford lead with 23 points, have scored the most goals and conceded the fewest.

• Macclesfield sit second with 21 points and possess the division’s second-best defensive record.

• Oxford City and South Shields both have 20 points.

• Chester are seventh despite having the league’s best xGD and shot differential.

• Harborough are 17th despite taking more shots than any other team.

• AFC Telford are 21st despite recording positive xG and shot differentials.

• Radcliffe are bottom with six points.

What the underlying data suggests

• Chester are the strongest team beneath the surface

• Oxford City have the most balanced and sustainable profile among the current top three

• Hereford are genuine title contenders, but their defensive record is unlikely to remain quite so exceptional

• Macclesfield are a leading side, but face a dramatic increase in fixture difficulty

• Harborough, Scarborough, Buxton and AFC Telford should climb

• South Shields, Hebburn, Morecambe and Chorley are being flattered by current outcomes

• Brackley, Southport and Spennymoor have genuinely relegation-level underlying numbers

Macclesfield FC: the wider comparison

For Macclesfield supporters, the encouraging point is that second place is supported by several strong underlying indicators despite many of us being frustrated by some disjointed performances on the pitch.

The caution is that the context around our schedule makes the coming period particularly hazardous. We’ll certainly discover a lot more about Rooney’s squad based on how we fare against South Shields, Hereford and Bedford this month.

Macclesfield’s league-wide position

• Points 21 (2nd)

• Goals scored 13 (Joint 12th)

• Goals conceded 6 (2nd)

• Actual goal difference +7 (3rd)

• xG 18 (6th)

• xGA 12 (Joint 3rd)

• xGD +6 (Joint 3rd)

• Shots taken 136 (4th)

• Shots faced 108 (Joint 10th)

• Shot difference +28 (Joint 5th)

• Opponents faced PPG 0.92 (Easiest)

• Opponents remaining PPG (Joint hardest)

Why Macclesfield are credible contenders

Macclesfield’s second place is not simply the product of favourable outcomes, but must be taken into context given the calibre of teams we’ve faced.

We have:

• The joint-third-best expected goal difference

• The third-best actual goal difference

• The fourth-highest shot total

• The joint-fifth-best shot difference

• A strong underlying defensive profile

• Scored five fewer goals than expected, despite an overreliance on Danny Elliott

Those figures describe a genuine leading side. Macclesfield are creating significantly more than their 13-goal return suggests, controlling the shot count and generally limiting the quality of opposition chances.

But clearly, we’ll need the likes of Luke Duffy, Jonathan Ustabasi and Josh Kay to quickly rediscover their shooting boots. And improvements to our injury and suspension list wouldn’t go amiss either!

Two forms of regression pulling in opposite directions

Macclesfield’s attacking and defensive numbers tell very different stories:

• Goals scored: Actual 13, Expected 18

• Goals conceded: Actual 6, Expected 12

• Goal difference: Actual +7, Expected +6

Our attack has underperformed by five goals, suggesting the scoring rate should rise if chance creation continues.

Our defence has conceded six fewer than expected, suggesting opponents are also likely to score more frequently unless Christian Dibble can continue his heroics (Scarborough aside!).

Those effects almost completely cancel one another. Macclesfield’s actual goal difference of +7 is only one goal better than their expected difference of +6.

The major red flag: fixture strength

No team in the division has faced weaker opponents than Macclesfield.

Our opening 10 opponents average only 0.92 points per game. In contrast, our remaining opponents average 1.49 points per game, the joint-hardest future schedule in the division.

That is the largest adverse schedule movement of any team in the National League North:

• Opponents faced: 0.92 PPG

• Opponents remaining: 1.49 PPG

• Increase in difficulty: 0.57 PPG

This does not invalidate Macclesfield’s positive metrics. It means those metrics must now be reproduced against considerably stronger opposition. Fasten your seatbelts!

The key test is whether we can continue to:

• Generate approximately 1.8 xG per match

• Maintain a positive shot difference

• Restrict opponents to approximately 1.2 xG

• Produce results when defensive outcomes move closer to expectation

Comparison with the leading rivals

Hereford

Both teams have a +6 xGD, but Hereford have faced substantially stronger opposition and have easier remaining fixtures.

Hereford’s defensive record is even further ahead of expectation than Macclesfield’s, so both sides may concede more frequently. However, Hereford’s attacking return is fully supported, with 22 goals from 21 xG.

Current advantage: Hereford, principally because of schedule context and proven attacking output.

Oxford City

Oxford have a superior +9 xGD and a more balanced profile, with a similarly difficult future schedule.

Macclesfield have the slightly better shot difference, but Oxford have generated more xG and conceded slightly less xGA. Oxford’s actual goal difference is also much closer to their expected figure.

Underlying advantage: Oxford, although Macclesfield hold a one-point lead.

Chester

Chester have a dramatically stronger underlying process and a much easier remaining schedule, but remain four points behind Macclesfield with the natives already getting restless with new boss, Phil Parkinson, after one league win in six.

But Chester’s numbers paint an impressive picture. Their +13 xGD is more than double Macclesfield’s +6, while their +90 shot difference comfortably exceeds Macclesfield’s +28. Chester have also faced much stronger opposition.

Both teams have suffered from poor finishing, but Chester have not benefited from comparable defensive overperformance.

Underlying advantage: Chester.
Current-table advantage: Macclesfield.

Buxton

Buxton have a comparable xG profile, a stronger +51 shot difference and significantly easier forthcoming fixtures. They trail Macclesfield by five points and have had some erratic results recently (4-0 away defeats at South Shields and Morecambe).

Overall, Buxton’s underlying trajectory looks favourable, but Macclesfield’s existing points advantage remains meaningful. And the jury is out on the Bucks’ rookie new manager, Jordan Broadbent.

Current advantage: Macclesfield.
Schedule-adjusted trajectory: Buxton.

Scarborough Athletic

Scarborough have a slightly lower +5 xGD but a stronger +46 shot difference. They have also conceded exactly in line with xGA, making their defensive record more sustainable.

However, they trail Macclesfield by nine points and face a slightly harder schedule than the one already completed.

Advantage: Macclesfield, because the points gap is substantial.

Harborough Town

The Silkmen’s 1-0 win over Harborough looks likely to age well. That’s because Harborough have a +5 xGD and a much stronger +59 shot difference. Their position has been undermined by scoring only 10 goals from 19 xG.

They trail Macclesfield by nine points, so they still have considerable ground to recover even if their finishing improves.

Advantage: Macclesfield, although Harborough are a major upward mover to watch.

What Macclesfield need to demonstrate

The finishing improvement must arrive

Macclesfield’s 18 xG and 136 attempts should ordinarily produce more than 13 goals. Better finishing would provide greater margin if the defensive record begins moving closer to expectation, which seems likely given the quality of opposition we are facing this month.

Can our chance creation must survive the stronger schedule?

The most important question is not whether the five-goal attacking deficit corrects. It is whether Macclesfield continue producing 1.8 xG per match against better teams. Right now, the jury on John Rooney’s side is clearly out.

The defensive process must remain strong

Conceding only six goals is unlikely to be sustainable from 12 xGA. However, 12 xGA across 10 matches is still a strong underlying defensive record.

The Silkmen do not need to continue conceding at their present rate, but they must prevent a significant rise in the quality and volume of chances allowed.

We must retain our shot advantage

A +28 shot difference is strong. If that remains positive during the harder run, it would provide persuasive evidence that Macclesfield’s promotion challenge is sustainable.

With Dawson and Kay back in the fold, Elliott nearing full fitness and Duffy and Ustabasi surely due an upturn in form, the Silkmen are capable of finding more gears.

Silkmen verdict

Macclesfield are a genuine leading team, but probably not the second-best side beneath the results. To the surprise of no one who has watched us consistently this season so far.

Our current position reflects a good performance level, excellent defensive outcomes and the advantage of having faced the league’s weakest schedule.

The most likely direction is:

• Goals scored increase, but so much seems to rest on Danny Elliott staying fit

• Goals conceded also increase

• Our overall goal difference remains positive

• Our points-per-game rate falls from its current 2.1

• We remain firmly in play-off contention

• We could face growing pressure from Chester, Oxford, Buxton, Scarborough and Harborough.

The Silkmen’s existing points advantage should not be discounted. Our rivals still need to translate superior metrics or more favourable schedules into actual results.

But the next phase will reveal far more than the opening 10 matches. If Macclesfield maintain positive xG and shot differences against stronger opposition, the case for a sustained title challenge will become considerably more convincing.

If not, our positive data metrics should regress and confirm what our eyes are broadly telling us based on what we’ve witnessed so far.

Team-by-team analysis

1. Hereford FC: 23 points

Actual: 22 scored, five conceded, +17 goal difference.
Underlying: 21 xG, 15 xGA, +6 xGD, +18 shot difference.
Schedule: 1.42 opponents-faced PPG, 1.34 remaining.

Hereford’s attack is entirely supported by the data. The outlier is their defence, with only five goals conceded from 15 xGA. Their actual goal difference is 11 goals better than expected, the largest positive gap in the division.

The easier remaining schedule should help protect them from some defensive regression.

Verdict: Serious automatic-promotion contenders, but not as dominant as their +17 goal difference suggests.

2. Macclesfield FC: 21 points

Actual: 13 scored, six conceded, +7 goal difference.
Underlying: 18 xG, 12 xGA, +6 xGD, +28 shot difference.
Schedule: 0.92 faced, 1.49 remaining.

Macclesfield’s second place is supported by good underlying numbers. Their attacking improvement may, however, be offset by defensive regression.

The decisive issue is their move from the weakest opening schedule to the joint-hardest remaining programme.

Verdict: Credible promotion contenders, but second place will be severely tested by stronger opposition.

3. Oxford City: 20 points

Actual: 18 scored, seven conceded, +11 goal difference.
Underlying: 20 xG, 11 xGA, +9 xGD, +26 shot difference.
Schedule: 1.02 faced, 1.47 remaining.

Oxford have the most balanced profile among the current top three. Their actual goal difference is close to expectation, and their +9 xGD is second only to Chester.

Their remaining schedule is difficult, but performance at both ends looks sustainable.

Verdict: Strong automatic-promotion and play-off contender.

4. South Shields: 20 points

Actual: 15 scored, 13 conceded, +2 goal difference.
Underlying: 14 xG, 17 xGA, -3 xGD, -24 shot difference.
Schedule: Slightly easier ahead.

South Shields’ points total is much stronger than their process. They are being outshot, have a negative xGD and have conceded four fewer goals than expected.

Verdict: The current top-four team most likely to fall.

5. Hebburn Town: 18 points

Actual: 16 scored, 16 conceded, level goal difference.
Underlying: 13 xG, 19 xGA, -6 xGD, -12 shot difference.
Schedule: Unchanged.

Hebburn have scored three more than expected and conceded three fewer. Their fifth-place position is weakly supported by the underlying data.

Verdict: Significant regression risk.

6. Spalding United: 17 points

Actual: 14 scored, eight conceded, +6 goal difference.
Underlying: 16 xG, 12 xGA, +4 xGD, -2 shot difference.
Schedule: Easier ahead.

Spalding have a positive xG profile, a difficult opening schedule and only modest overall overperformance. Their near-neutral shot balance is the principal limitation.

Verdict: Sustainable play-off candidate.

7. Chester FC: 17 points

Actual: 13 scored, nine conceded, +4 goal difference.
Underlying: 20 xG, seven xGA, +13 xGD, +90 shot difference.
Schedule: 1.60 faced, 1.32 remaining.

Chester possess the league’s best xGD, strongest shot difference, lowest xGA and easiest remaining schedule. Their finishing is seven goals below expectation, which in part explains their stuttering form after winning their opening four games.

Verdict: The strongest underlying team and a genuine title contender IF the data is to be trusted. Will their results catch up with the stats?

8. King’s Lynn Town: 16 points

Actual: 20 scored, 15 conceded, +5 goal difference.
Underlying: 17 xG, 14 xGA, +3 xGD, level shot difference.
Schedule: Significantly harder ahead.

King’s Lynn have a respectable positive profile, but their scoring is three goals above expectation and their shot balance is neutral.

Verdict: Fringe play-off contender, with some risk of slipping.

9. Buxton FC: 16 points

Actual: 18 scored, 15 conceded, +3 goal difference.
Underlying: 19 xG, 14 xGA, +5 xGD, +51 shot difference.
Schedule: 1.58 faced, 1.33 remaining.

Buxton have produced excellent control metrics on paper against difficult opposition and now face a much easier schedule.

Verdict: Strong candidate to climb and a credible play-off side.

10. Bedford Town: 16 points

Actual: 14 scored, 14 conceded, level goal difference.
Underlying: 14 xG, 17 xGA, -3 xGD, -26 shot difference.
Schedule: Much harder ahead.

Bedford have negative xG and shot differentials despite facing a relatively easy opening schedule. Their attack is already exactly in line with expectation.

Verdict: Likely to fall into the lower half.

11. Morecambe: 14 points

Actual: 14 scored, nine conceded, +5 goal difference.
Underlying: 13 xG, 14 xGA, -1 xGD, -11 shot difference.
Schedule: Slightly harder ahead.

Morecambe’s positive actual goal difference disguises a slightly negative underlying profile. They have conceded five fewer than expected.

Verdict: Lower-mid-table profile with regression risk.

12. Chorley: 14 points

Actual: 16 scored, 17 conceded, -1 goal difference.
Underlying: 12 xG, 21 xGA, -9 xGD, -50 shot difference.
Schedule: Virtually unchanged.

Chorley have scored four more than expected and conceded four fewer. Their actual goal difference is eight goals better than its underlying equivalent.

Verdict: Major fall candidate and potential relegation battler.

13. Merthyr Town: 13 points

Actual: 12 scored, 11 conceded, +1 goal difference.
Underlying: 16 xG, 17 xGA, -1 xGD, +5 shot difference.
Schedule: Slightly easier ahead.

Merthyr’s poor finishing is offset by conceding six fewer goals than expected. Their shot balance is positive, but their xG balance remains marginally negative.

Verdict: Mid-table profile.

14. Scarborough Athletic: 12 points

Actual: 15 scored, 12 conceded, +3 goal difference.
Underlying: 17 xG, 12 xGA, +5 xGD, +46 shot difference.
Schedule: Slightly harder ahead.

Scarborough rank among the league leaders for shot control and underlying goal difference. Their actual defensive record exactly matches xGA.

Verdict: Clear improvement candidate with genuine play-off potential.

15. Hednesford Town: 12 points

Actual: 17 scored, 17 conceded, level goal difference.
Underlying: 16 xG, 15 xGA, +1 xGD, +18 shot difference.
Schedule: 1.08 faced, 1.49 remaining.

Big spending Hednesford are falling short of expectations, recorded against one of the weakest opening schedules. Their actual and expected outcomes are closely aligned.

Verdict: Better than a relegation side on process, but vulnerable because of the schedule.

16. Marine: 12 points

Actual: 12 scored, 12 conceded, level goal difference.
Underlying: 15 xG, 14 xGA, +1 xGD, +8 shot difference.
Schedule: Easier ahead.

Marine have a mildly positive profile against difficult opposition and have scored three fewer than expected.

Verdict: Likely to improve modestly towards mid-table.

17. Harborough Town: 12 points

Actual: 10 scored, 12 conceded, -2 goal difference.
Underlying: 19 xG, 14 xGA, +5 xGD, +59 shot difference.
Schedule: Easier ahead.

Harborough have taken the most shots in the division and scored nine fewer goals than expected. Their underlying profile belongs much higher in the table.

Verdict: One of the clearest candidates to climb.

18. Worksop Town: 12 points

Actual: 10 scored, 16 conceded, -6 goal difference.
Underlying: 15 xG, 17 xGA, -2 xGD, -26 shot difference.
Schedule: Easier ahead.

Worksop have scored five fewer than expected, but their overall process remains negative.

Verdict: Likely to improve modestly while remaining in the lower half.

19. Brackley Town: 12 points

Actual: 11 scored, 19 conceded, -8 goal difference.
Underlying: Eight xG, 19 xGA, -11 xGD, -58 shot difference.
Schedule: Considerably easier ahead.

Brackley possess the league’s worst xGD. Their attack is already three goals above expectation and their defence is performing exactly in line with xGA.

Verdict: Genuine relegation candidate.

20. Southport: nine points

Actual: 13 scored, 20 conceded, -7 goal difference.
Underlying: 11 xG, 19 xGA, -8 xGD, -63 shot difference.
Schedule: Slightly harder ahead.

Southport have the league’s worst shot difference, while their attack is already scoring above expectation.

Verdict: Strong relegation candidate.

21. AFC Telford: nine points

Actual: Eight scored, 15 conceded, -7 goal difference.
Underlying: 15 xG, 12 xGA, +3 xGD, +28 shot difference.
Schedule: Much easier ahead.

Telford’s actual goal difference is 10 goals worse than expected. They are winning both the xG and shot battles and have faced difficult opponents.

Verdict: Unlikely to remain in the bottom four if the process continues.

22. Darlington: seven points

Actual: 12 scored, 21 conceded, -9 goal difference.
Underlying: 15 xG, 21 xGA, -6 xGD, -27 shot difference.
Schedule: Much easier ahead.

Darlington have some attacking upside, but their defensive record is completely supported by the underlying data.

Verdict: Relegation candidate, but not beyond recovery.

23. Spennymoor Town: seven points

Actual: 11 scored, 21 conceded, -10 goal difference.
Underlying: 13 xG, 21 xGA, -8 xGD, -59 shot difference.
Schedule: Hardest faced, substantially easier remaining.

Spennymoor’s opening schedule has been brutal, but their underlying process remains extremely poor.

Verdict: Strong relegation candidate.

24. Radcliffe: six points

Actual: Nine scored, 20 conceded, -11 goal difference.
Underlying: 13 xG, 19 xGA, -6 xGD, -31 shot difference.
Schedule: Second-hardest faced, considerably easier remaining.

Radcliffe’s bottom position is slightly harsher than their underlying performance. They have scored four fewer than expected and receive considerable fixture relief.

Verdict: Credible survival chance, but still a bottom-six side on process.

Top five by actual performance

Points gained

1. Hereford: 23

2. Macclesfield: 21

3. Oxford City: 20

4. South Shields: 20

5. Hebburn Town: 18

Goals scored

1. Hereford: 22

2. King’s Lynn Town: 20

3. Oxford City: 18

4. Buxton: 18

5. Hednesford Town: 17

Fewest goals conceded

1. Hereford: 5

2. Macclesfield: 6

3. Oxford City: 7

4. Spalding United: 8

5. Chester and Morecambe: 9

Actual goal difference

1. Hereford: +17

2. Oxford City: +11

3. Macclesfield: +7

4. Spalding United: +6

5. King’s Lynn Town and Morecambe: +5

Top five by underlying performance

Expected goals created

1. Hereford: 21

2. Oxford City: 20

3. Chester: 20

4. Buxton: 19

5. Harborough Town: 19

Lowest expected goals conceded

1. Chester: 7

2. Oxford City: 11

3. Macclesfield: 12

4. Spalding United: 12

5. Scarborough Athletic and AFC Telford: 12

Expected goal difference

1. Chester: +13

2. Oxford City: +9

3. Hereford: +6

4. Macclesfield: +6

5. Buxton, Scarborough and Harborough: +5

Shots taken

1. Harborough Town: 157

2. Chester: 151

3. Scarborough Athletic: 149

4. Macclesfield: 136

5. Buxton: 132

Fewest shots faced

1. Chester: 61

2. Buxton: 81

3. Hednesford Town: 95

4. AFC Telford: 97

5. Oxford City and Harborough Town: 98

Shot difference

1. Chester: +90

2. Harborough Town: +59

3. Buxton: +51

4. Scarborough Athletic: +46

5. Macclesfield and AFC Telford: +28

Where actual and underlying data diverge most

Biggest attacking overperformers

1. Chorley: four goals above xG

2. King’s Lynn Town: three above

3. Hebburn Town: three above

4. Brackley Town: three above

5. Southport: two above

Biggest attacking underperformers

1. Harborough Town: nine goals below xG

2. Chester: seven below

3. AFC Telford: seven below

4. Macclesfield: five below

5. Worksop Town: five below

Biggest defensive overperformers

1. Hereford: 10 fewer goals conceded than xGA

2. Macclesfield: six fewer

3. Merthyr Town: six fewer

4. Morecambe: five fewer

5. Oxford City, South Shields and Spalding United: four fewer

Actual goal difference furthest above xGD

1. Hereford: +11

2. Chorley: +8

3. Morecambe: +6

4. Hebburn Town: +6

5. South Shields: +5

Actual goal difference furthest below xGD

1. AFC Telford: -10

2. Chester: -9

3. Harborough Town: -7

4. Radcliffe: -5

5. Worksop Town: -4

Hardest opening schedules

1. Spennymoor Town: 1.70 opponents-faced PPG

2. Radcliffe: 1.66

3. Chester: 1.60

4. Buxton: 1.58

5. Brackley Town: 1.58

Easiest remaining schedules

1. Chester: 1.32 remaining-opponents PPG

2. Buxton: 1.33

3. Hereford: 1.34

4. Spennymoor Town: 1.35

5. South Shields, Spalding United and Brackley Town: 1.36

Predictions

These are directional projections from a 10-match sample. They weigh current points, actual goal difference, xGD, shot control, schedule strength and actual-versus-expected performance.

Automatic-promotion contenders

Chester

Chester have the strongest underlying profile, the easiest remaining schedule and only a six-point gap to first place.

Hereford

Hereford possess the strongest actual record, a credible attacking process and favourable fixtures ahead. Their defensive record should regress, but the overall team remains strong.

Oxford City

Oxford possess the league’s second-best xGD and the most balanced profile among the current top three.

Macclesfield

Macclesfield’s chance creation should produce more goals, but our defensive overperformance and schedule change create substantial uncertainty.

The points already banked provide a strong platform. The next phase will determine whether we can maintain our advantages against better opponents.

Most likely title battle: Chester, Hereford and Oxford City, with Macclesfield firmly involved.

Play-off contenders: second to seventh

Strongest candidates

• Chester

• Hereford

• Oxford City

• Macclesfield

• Buxton

• Scarborough Athletic

• Spalding United

Credible challengers

• Harborough Town

• King’s Lynn Town

• Marine

Current top-seven teams at significant risk

• South Shields

• Hebburn Town

Projected play-off-strength group

1. Chester

2. Oxford City

3. Hereford

4. Macclesfield

5. Buxton

6. Scarborough Athletic

7. Spalding United

Harborough are the team most likely to break into that group if their finishing improves sharply.

Relegation candidates: 21st to 24th

Brackley Town

They possess the league’s worst xGD, an attack already exceeding expectation and the third-worst shot difference.

Southport

Southport have the worst shot difference, a -8 xGD, an attack already scoring above expectation and a slightly harder schedule ahead.

Spennymoor Town

Their difficult schedule provides genuine mitigation, but their xG and shot differentials remain firmly at relegation level.

Chorley

Chorley currently sit 12th, but their -9 xGD, -50 shot difference and eight-goal positive actual-versus-expected gap make them a serious future relegation candidate.

Next most vulnerable

• Darlington

• Radcliffe

• Bedford Town

• Hebburn Town

Most likely current bottom-four escapee

AFC Telford, by a considerable margin.

Five teams most likely to fall

1. Chorley

Their -9 xGD, -50 shot difference and eight-goal positive outcome gap indicate that 12th place is being badly flattered.

2. Hebburn Town

They sit fifth despite a -6 xGD and have overperformed at both ends.

3. South Shields

They are fourth despite a -3 xGD and -24 shot difference.

4. Morecambe

Their +5 actual goal difference comes from a -1 expected figure, driven largely by conceding five fewer goals than expected.

5. Bedford Town

They have 16 points despite negative xG and shot differentials against a favourable opening schedule. The remaining fixtures are much harder.

The Hereford exception

Hereford are the league’s largest statistical overperformer, but they are not among the teams most likely to fall substantially.

They also possess:

• A strong attack

• Positive xGD

• Positive shot difference

• A two-point lead

• An easier schedule ahead

Their defensive record should regress, but the overall team remains strong.

Five teams most likely to climb

1. Chester

Best xGD, best shot difference, a difficult opening schedule and the easiest remaining programme.

2. Harborough Town

Most shots in the division, +5 xGD, +59 shot difference and nine goals below expectation.

3. AFC Telford

An actual goal difference 10 goals worse than expected, positive xGD, positive shot balance and an easier schedule ahead.

4. Scarborough Athletic

Fourteenth despite a +5 xGD and +46 shot difference.

5. Buxton

Ninth despite a +5 xGD, +51 shot difference and a difficult opening schedule that becomes much easier.

Just outside

• Radcliffe

• Worksop Town

• Marine

Final assessment

For Macclesfield supporters, the overall picture is positive. The Silkmen’s second-place position is supported by strong chance creation, a positive expected goal difference and one of the division’s better shot balances.

The warning is that Macc’s first 10 opponents have been substantially weaker than those faced by their principal rivals. Our remaining 36 fixtures (as we stand) are the joint-hardest in the division.

Hopefully our attacking return will improve, but some defensive regression is likely to accompany it.

The wider league picture contains several striking disparities:

• Hereford: Elite actual results, supported by good but less exceptional underlying performance.

• Macclesfield: Strong actual and underlying performance, but with a major increase in fixture difficulty ahead.

• Chester: Elite underlying performance, but poor recent results.

• Harborough: Upper-table process undermined by exceptionally poor finishing.

• AFC Telford: Mid-table or better process producing relegation-zone outcomes.

• Chorley: Relegation-level process producing mid-table outcomes.

• Southport and Brackley: Poor results genuinely supported by poor underlying data.

The strongest upward pressure comes from Chester, Harborough, AFC Telford, Scarborough and Buxton.

The strongest downward pressure comes from Chorley, Hebburn Town, South Shields, Morecambe and Bedford Town.

For the Silkmen, the early points returns are vital and belief remains that Rooney HAS built a squad with genuine promotion credentials.

The next challenge is to demonstrate that the same underlying strengths can be maintained against a much more demanding set of opponents. The proof will be in the pudding.

In this one The Silkmen are back to winning ways avoiding a massive potential banana skin in the Second Qualifying Round away at Redcar Athletic, followed by a further return to winning ways in the league against Harborough Town. Otherwise some big questions to answer from elsewhere, Manchester City in National League North, and just how will Robbie Savage get on at Peterborough United?

Podcast available on all good platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. Or you can listen through the player above.

We’re activley looking for more contributors to the podcast in particular from people who are under represented within the fan base. Do get in touch if you’re intrested in getting involved. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future podcasts then leave us a comment and we’ll get it in for future episodes.

The Silkmen currently sit third in the National League North, four points behind early pacesetters Hereford who visit the Leasing.com stadium on 24^th October. Hereford, currently the league’s top scorers with also the meanest defence, should present formidable opposition in a challenging month which could also see Macc play three other sides in the current top 8 - South Shields, Oxford City (subject to FA Cup qualifiers) and Bedford.

Of course, the Silkmen have nothing to fear and have genuine promotion aspirations of their own having lost only one of their opening nine league fixtures. However, a winless run of three games against the caveat that Macc have played six matches against sides who currently sit 15^th, 17^th, 21^st, 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th place suggests that optimism should be tempered.

Spennymoor frustrations

The manner in which Macclesfield drew 1-1 at bottom-of-the-table Spennymoor has drawn criticism from supporters who witnessed a frustrating afternoon. 1-0 up and dominating proceedings thanks to Fin Shrimpton’s accurate first-half finish, Macc took their foot off the gas in the second half and conceded a sloppy penalty late on.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson overcommitted and wiped out Junior Mondial in the box and the spot kick was converted by Danny Johnson in the 81^st minute. CBJ duly received his marching orders for a second yellow card offence – the Silkmen’s second sending off in the week after fellow centre half Tom Wilson was sent off against Scarborough for a high boot.

It never rains but it pours as Rooney has had to reshuffle his back four with Ammar Dyer at left back due to the continued absence of the injured Lincoln McFayden and Luis Lacey, in addition to the comebacking Paul Dawson having to fill the void at centre half and Elliot Osborne at right back while Luke Matheson returns to fitness.

Rooney’s men, thanks in part to goalkeeper Christian Dibble, have been much tighter at the back so far this season – four clean sheets and only six goals conceded. But with us misfiring in attack (more on that below) we can ill-afford to be giving away chances so cheaply.

Spennymoor’s equaliser was infuriating on many levels. Makeshift right back Osborne was too high up the pitch, Spennymoor exploit the space down Macclesfield’s left wing which prompts Wilson to abandon his central defensive position to thwart the danger but it’s already too late.

Wilson can’t get back and recover in time, but worse, Osborne is trotting back at snail’s pace as if he’s having a Sunday stroll.

That leaves Borthwick-Jackson in a foot race with Mondal where he has a decision to make – lunge in and attempt to win the ball, or stand your ground and attempt to force Mondal wide. CBJ chose the former and the penalty award was inevitable.

A bad result, not a bad performance

Was Macclesfield’s display at Spennymoor any worse than our previous, largely disjointed league games this season?

I’d argue ‘no’ and in terms of chance creation it was the most threatening we’ve looked since we beat Radcliffe at home. We had more of the ball (62% possession) and created at least 5 significant goalscoring opportunities.

The Silkmen registered 16 efforts on goal (our highest this season was 17) and had an xG (expected goals tally) of 2.74. In contrast, Spennymoor had 12 attempts with an xG of 2.04, but bare in mind that penalties typically carry an xG of 0.78 because historically about 78% of penalties are converted.

We’ve spoken about Macc being slow out of the blocks. Not so on this occasion. We began on the front foot and mustered 11 shots in the first half alone. Adan George’s flick from a corner was kept out by an excellent reaction save, Ammar Dyer got in behind but failed to find a Silkmen shirt having jinked into a golden position in the box, Shrimpton lashed wide when off-balance in the box but did eventually give the Silkmen the lead when receiving Paul Dawson’s perfect pass and drilling into the bottom corner.

Macc’s second half performance dipped as Spennymoor came back into it, however on another day it could easily have been 2-0. Luke Duffy failed to turn in Adan George’s floated cross at the back post, electing to strike the ball with his favoured right foot when he was better placed to convert with his left. Elliot Osborne had a header cleared off the line from a corner and Shrimpton’s follow-up shot was blocked.

And even after Spennymoor drew level, George Wilson was sent racing clear from a Danny Elliott clearance but a dreadful touch sent him wide and he dragged his shot past the post from a tighter angle.

Macclesfield have certainly played worse this season and won, but given the context that managerless Spennymoor are rock bottom and the Silkmen are now winless in three league games, this was definitely two points dropped in contrast to Scarborough at home which represented a point gained.

Barn doors and banjos

Whatever your favourite analogy, the Silkmen’s potency in front of goal is currently deserting them. Our top scorers are Duffy (3), Elliott (3 in the league, 1 in the cup), George (2), Shrimpton (2), Ustabasi (1) and an own goal from Hebburn. 12 goals in 9 league games, with two blanks (Spalding and Scarborough).

On a positive, we ARE creating chances but our composure in the final third is letting us down, much to John Rooney’s understandable annoyance. So far this season, Macclesfield have had:

· 113 attempts on goal, but only 39 on target (34%)

· 73 of our attempts have come away from home (64% overall), however our finishing on the road has been woeful

· Marine 17 (1 on target), Spalding 17 (2 on target), Darlington 12 (2 on target, but goals from Elliott), Merthyr 11 (5 on target), Spennymoor 16 (3 on target)

The contribution of our forward players in the league warrants scrutiny

· Duffy: 3 goals (none in 5), 1 assist, 26 shots (6 on target), 18 chances created, 26 dribbles (15 successful)

· Ustabasi: 1 goal (none in 5), 1 assist, 13 shots (6 on target), 9 chances created, 16 dribbles (8 successful)

· George: 2 goals, 0 assists, 15 shots (8 on target), 7 chances created, 11 dribbles (6 successful)

· Elliott: 3 goals, 0 assists, 13 shots (4 on target), 2 chances created, 6 dribbles (5 successful)

The above numbers don’t make for pleasant reading, apart from Danny Elliott’s considering he’s our joint top scorer having yet to start a league game and averaging only 25 minutes per substitute appearance.

I’ve praised Adan George and Jon Ustabasi for their workrate, but they simply aren’t influencing games regular enough although George has improved more recently. Ustabasi on the other hand looks totally lost, which is quite remarkable considering his status as one of the premier forwards in the National League North having registered a host of goals and assists in recent seasons.

I thought Ustabasi was a conventional winger, but he rarely attacks the byline or gets in behind. Perhaps he’s better suited as more of an inside forward in a 4-3-3 formation, although he has been often careless in possession in the final third (around 60% passing accuracy) that Macclesfield’s attacks frequently amount to nothing when he’s on the ball, nor is he regularly troubling opposition keepers either.

Rooney’s tried switching ‘Basi from the left to the right flank, however this appears to have coincided with a dip in form for Luke Duffy – a standout performer for the Silkmen in 2026, chief creator and a reliable goalscorer.

Both players need to take responsibility and rediscover the form that make them amongst the finest attacking talents in this division. There’s also an argument to suggest that we aren’t playing to their strengths – both have thrived in a 4-3-3, yet both have had to fulfil more defensive duties in 4-2-3-1 and 4-1-4-1 set-ups this season.

Duffy in particular has played right midfield, left midfield, attacking midfield / ‘number 10’, right wing and left wing. He’s done his main damage on the right, so moving him to the left to try and kickstart Ustabasi into form may prove counter productive.

It was frustratingly ironic that Duffy missed a guilt edged chance at Spennymoor when coming in from the left and attempting to steer Adan George’s floated cross towards goal by stretching with his right foot, rather than striking it with his left which was better positioned to connect with the ball.

Rooney has persisted with Duffy and Ustabasi in preference to turning to his bench for solutions. Veron Parny, signed as a trialist in the summer, has barely featured and Rooney still doesn’t appear to trust Theo Chapman as a substitute or a starter, although Chapman did start against Redcar in the 2-1 FA Cup qualifier triumph and played 79 minutes.

Reasons for optimism

Its been a disappointing spell, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Captain Paul Dawson has returned following a seven-game ban and our midfield looked far more balanced and threatening with him alongside Shrimpton and George Wilson in a 4-3-3 at Spennymoor.

Dawson laid on a lovely assist for Fin’s well-taken strike and Macclesfield’s captain also had five attempts on goal (none on target, however). But the most pleasing thing is that Macc had a drive and a degree of urgency that has often been lacking in the middle of the park this season.

Danny Elliott, nursed back to fitness following an ACL injury sustained in December, is getting fitter and stronger all the time. Four goals for Danny already this season, including one at Redcar on Saturday and 82 minutes on the field until he was substituted. With Adan George absent at Redcar and rumoured to have strained his hamstring, Elliott looks primed to be let loose from the off in the league.

(Photo credit: Chelsie Ann Louise)

In addition, the much-maligned, love-him-or-hate-him Josh Kay is imminently expected back following his ten match ban due to incidents against Chorley (a red card after the full-time whistle and a subsequent accusation of biting) and Darlington (an off-the-ball incident which felled a Darlington player).

Kay was absent for around 13 games last season due to three red cards sustained against Marine, Bedford and Chorley, plus an injury which sidelined him for part of November and December. The former Oldham player did finish the season strongly, scoring vital goals away at Merthyr and at home to Chester in the play-offs in an unfamiliar striking position.

Opinion seems divided amongst Silkmen supporters regarding the wisdom of Rooney’s decision to bring Kay back to the club due to his disciplinary issues, likely lofty wages and inconsistent end product in terms of goals and assists.

On the flip side, Josh’s tenacity (when controlled), energy and ability to spot a run with a well-timed pass has been missed.

At a time when Rooney needs a spark from his most influential players, the stage is set for Elliott, Dawson and Kay to grab this season by the scruff of the neck (but not too hard, lads), starting against Harborough in the league this weekend.

In this one a review of the month looking at all the big moments, new players starting to gel, an enviable defensive record, and of course the goal scoring return of the one and only Danny Elliott.

Podcast available on all good platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. Or you can listen through the player above.

We’re activley looking for more contributors to the podcast in particular from people who are under represented within the fan base. Do get in touch if you’re intrested in getting involved. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future podcasts then leave us a comment and we’ll get it in for future episodes.

Perhaps, on reflection, my comments were too emotive in the aftermath of the team’s first defeat of the season. Especially given the nature of it – a spectacular goal of the season scissor kick in injury time, worthy of winning any game. And also in light of the Silkmen’s absentees: Matheson, McFayden, Lacey, Dawson, Kay and Dos Santos due to various mitigating circumstances, self-inflicted or otherwise.

This edition of The Silkmen News will analyse how BAD our performance was against Merthyr, and how EXCELLENT the team was after going down to ten men against Scarborough. If you find the analysis of Merthyr too depressing, scroll down and read the good stuff about Scarborough!

Lucky or unlucky?

My original Facebook view stands. This was a desperately poor performance by Macc against a Merthyr Town side who hadn’t won since the opening day of the season (five matches).

The manner of the loss cemented, in my view, that John Rooney’s newly assembled team is struggling to gel and was flattered by its top of the league status coming into this. I’m struggling to understand what the team’s identity is – are we a possession based 4-2-3-1 set-up, do we want to play with conventional wingers and be more attack-minded in a 4-3-3, or we want to utilise the natural width and pace we’ve recruited in the summer to play on the counter?

In reality, only the 3-0 home win over early league leaders Hebburn Town could be described as a deserved victory for Macc in our eight league games so far. A scoreline I previously debated on this website as to whether it was our best ‘result’, or best ‘performance’?

The opening day win over Marine could easily have been a draw. The dramatic 2-1 triumph over Radcliffe was a timely comeback but against a team in wretched form, who lost both of their central defenders to injury in the first-half and were denied by an inspired Christian Dibble. The goalless draw at Spalding was hard-fought against a newly promoted side who came on strong in the final 20 minutes and could have won it.

The 2-1 win against Brackley saw us recover brilliantly from a goal down once more, but arguably only because the visitor’s suffered (deservedly) a red card in first-half injury time just after they had taken the lead following a period of dominance. Finally another 2-1, come-from-behind win at Darlington was achieved against the beleaguered Quakers who had lost their last six matches at home (make that eight now), who hit the post at 1-1.

Luck, or simply getting the rub-of-the-green, was never going to be sustainable. It’s also worth noting that the majority of the teams Macclesfield have played so far are currently in the bottom half of the table.

And so it’s proven with Macc on the wrong end of some misfortune in their last two games – losing to a ‘worldy’ strike at Merthyr, and then having Tom Wilson sent off after 17 minutes against Scarborough on Tuesday, whilst also being denied a strong penalty shout when Elliott Osborne was bundled over in the box (scroll down for analysis of those decisions).

The Silkmen’s response to going a man down against the Seadogs was outstanding – more on that below. Firstly, let’s discuss what went wrong at Merthyr and why the travelling Silkmen faithful were so frustrated by what they witnessed.

Merthyr meltdown – the context

At face value, was the Merthyr setback really that bad and entirely understandable given Rooney’s men are currently walking wounded?

We took the lead through another Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Adan George link-up, with George bundling home (fairly) after the Merthyr keeper failed to claim the left wing cross cleanly. Unfortunately, CBJ tweaked something in his delivery of it and had to be withdrawn for young right back Hassan Ayub, which required Ammar Dyer to switch to left back after 60 minutes.

Did CBJ’s withdrawal have a significant impact on Macclesfield losing the game? It certainly didn’t help and it’s worth noting that Cameron had won 7 of his 8 ground duels prior to going off and Merthyr ruthlessly exploited our left-hand-side thereafter.

Eventual Merthyr match-winner Ellis Watts entered the fray as a substitute on the right wing seven minutes later and led the Silkmen a merry dance for the 25 minutes he was on the field. 33 touches of the ball, 4 shots (3 on target), won 5 out of his 9 duels. 93% pass completion, 2 out of 4 successful dribbles and a crackerjack of a strike to seal the three points against the shellshocked Silkmen.

It would be unfair though to hail Watts as the reason why Merthyr turned the tables. He was simply part of the bigger problem as Merthyr outfought, outpassed and harassed Macc all afternoon:

· Merthyr enjoyed 65% possession, and whilst they are a possession-based side, it’s rare to see Macclesfield dominated on the ball at this level

· Not only were Macc starved of possession, they were careless with it when they did have the ball. Their overall pass completion percentage of 71% was their lowest of the season, lower than v Brackley (76%) and a highest v Spalding (83%)

· Tactically we seemed to have no answer to contain Merthyr or play effectively with and without the ball. The Silkmen only completed 32% of their attempted long balls (53), which invited wave after wave of Merthyr pressure

· Merthyr had 15 shots (6 on target) to Macc’s 12 (5 on target), but 8 of the home side’s attempts came in the last 15 minutes as Rooney failed to stem the tide from the bench

· Apart from George’s goal, the Silkmen created few clear cut chances. George Wilson had a shot well saved by the legs of the keeper in the first half following good work by Adan George and Jonathan Ustabasi. But arguably Fin Shrimpton’s miss from a Luke Duffy counter on 68 minutes was significant. At 2-0, would there have been any way back for the Welshmen?

· Merthyr won 56% of all contested duels. They notably won the midfield battle, forced the Silkmen’s players into mistakes and ran at them frequently (22 dribble attempts compared to 12 from Macc)

· Merthyr forced Macclesfield’s players into more mistakes compared to any other game this season. In total, Macc made 7 errors which directly lead to Merthyr having attempts on goal

· Merthyr really squeezed us on the wings – as highlighted above, Duffy and Ustabasi were harried into mistakes. Ustabasi had a particularly difficult afternoon. In addition to making 2 errors which led to Merthyr shots he was also dribbled past on 3 occasions

· Even Silkmen players who are normally so composed on the ball struggled to retain it. Borthwick-Jackson’s passing accuracy was just 66% when it’s normally in the high 80s / early 90s. CBJ completed only 3 of his 12 attempted long passes.

· George Willson and Elliott Osborne struggled in the engine room. Wilson won only 6 of his 17 duels, and Osborne 3 of 11.

Little could have been done to prevent Merthyr’s winner, although Tom Wilson did have two bites at the cherry to try and clear his lines in the build-up. However, Merthyr’s equaliser WAS preventable. Wilson headed away a corner at the back post and is clearly seen beckoning substitute Matthew Apter to move sideways to put pressure on Merthyr to prevent another attack.

Apter remained where he was, prompting Wilson to abandon his central defensive berth and come out to the wing to try and stop the cross. He wasn’t able to close the gap in time, the cross was swung in from the right and goalscorer Foulston had the run on Danny Elliott and headed into the goal from close range, when ordinarily he would have been competing against the AWOL Wilson.

All in all, Merthyr represented a bad day at the office for many different reasons, but given Macclesfield’s general performances this season it wasn’t a huge surprise. Thankfully, our gallant 0-0 draw against Scarborough was a wonderfully spirited, backs-to-the-wall display for all the right reasons.

Scarborough stalemate

Scarborough at home represented a good opportunity for Macc to return to winning ways, galvanised by the return of captain Paul Dawson following his seven game ban for various misdemeanours. Daws looked accomplished in midfield until an avoidable red card for Tom Wilson after 17 minutes forced the skipper back into central defence to partner Sam Heathcote.

Was Wilson stupid or unfortunate to receive his marching orders? Both for me.

There was no need for Tom to challenge for a ball on halfway with his boot raised so high. Scarborough’s Dom Tear duly ducked into it and hit the deck, giving the trigger-happy referee a decision to make.

Wilson DID make contact, but he appeared to collide with Tear’s shoulder rather than his head, so in that regard he was unfortunate to receive a straight red card. But the chances of the referee’s decision being rescinded look slim, leaving John Rooney with another defensive headache with Cameron Borthwick-Jackson not fully fit after sustaining a strain at Merthyr and Wilson facing a three-match ban.

Macc were also denied a strong shout for a penalty. George Wilson whipped in a ball to the back post which was collected by the onrushing Elliot Osborne, who once again did a fine job filling in at right back. Osborne nudged the ball past the defender, and whilst he was no longer in possession, the Scarborough player’s momentum saw him take Osborne out.

Clear contact was made in the area, Osborne was prevented from challenging for the ball and if that’s not a penalty, what is?

Rooney’s men could easily have let their heads drop, but to their immense credit they picked up the baton and took the fight to Scarborough, displaying bravery, passion, organisation and intelligence to negotiate 75 minutes of football with only ten men. And but for some better finishing from Luke Duffy (notably) and Jon Ustabasi, the Silkmen would have deservedly gained the three points their endeavours so richly deserved.

In the end, Macc were grateful for a point thanks to another top drawer save by Christian Dibble in injury time to divert Mo Fadera’s shot around the post from 12 yards out. How many points has the outstanding Dibble won us already this season in recording his fourth clean sheet?

Scarborough: standout stats

· Macc only had 33% possession, but limited Scarborough to 14 shots and only 3 on target. Most of the away side’s attempts came late on, and they didn’t have a shot of note until the 50^th minute

· The Silkmen created the better chances (11 shots, 7 inside the area, 5 on target), and had the higher xG (expected goals) metric of 0.89 vs 0.84 for Scarborough

· Macc defended resolutely as a team, from Adan George as a loan striker in a revamped 4-4-1 formation to our backline. We won 58% of the contested ground duels and dispossessed Scarborough 11 times

· The above defensive metrics are important because we often turned over possession cheaply – just 71% overall passing accuracy (joint lowest of the season). Fin Shrimpton (60%), Luke Duffy (59%) and Jon Ustabasi (57%) were particularly culpable in that regard

Scarborough: top performers, aka Duracell bunnies

Never have I been so buoyed by a team drawing a game at home. But it was the manner in which Macc rolled their sleeves up which was so invigorating to witness and bodes well for the remainder of the season. Some performances in particular need to be called out.

· George Wilson – what a shift! George has produced some mixed displays in his early Silkmen career, but he is a player who never hides and one you absolutely want in the trenches. And if he can combine his tenacity and passing ability more consistently, Macc will have an excellent midfielder on their books.

Against Scarborough he was everywhere. The tigerish Wilson won 10 out of his 13 duels and made 7 defensive contributions. He also kept the ball better than most with a passing accuracy of 80%, completing 7 out of his 8 attempted long balls, including his diagonal pass for Osborne which could have led to a penalty.

· Jon Ustabasi – I’ve highlighted that Ustabasi can frustrate by giving the ball away cheaply, but he was equally key in keeping Scarborough at bay with a real blood and thunder performance. ‘Basi covered 11.4km up and down the right flank – more than any other player on the pitch on Tuesday, which equates to a distance of just over 7 miles (unsurprisingly, George Wilson was just behind him).

‘Basi tirelessly contested every challenge, winning 10 out of his 13 ground and aerial duels. He also embarked on some lung-bursting runs and two of his three shots were on target. Jon may lack finesse, and it’s fair to say his Silkmen career hasn’t caught fire yet, but if keeps putting in the hard yards like this his fortunes should turn soon

· Ammar Dyer – I singled Dyer out on a previous article, but he was outstanding once more against Scarborough despite playing out of his natural position at left back. The away side tried to exploit their man advantage by targeting Macclesfield’s flanks, predominantly through dangerman Rio Allan who is the National League North’s top scorer on 7 goals. Allan was restricted to only one shot all evening and was dominated by Dyer. So much so, that Allan eventually switched wings in the second half in an attempt to escape and get change out of Elliot Osborne instead.

Ammar won 13 out of his 17 ground duels, made 8 defensive contributions and registered a passing accuracy of 88%. But it was his ball carrying ability which made a huge difference in getting the Silkmen up the pitch and on the front foot. Dyer produced 12 ‘sprints’, more than any other player on the pitch and Scarborough struggled all evening with his athleticism and solid defending.

It almost ended in tears though. An uncharacteristically loose back pass from Ammar let Scarborough in, but thankfully captain fantastic Dawson was there to mop up and avert the danger. It would have been a travesty had a mistake from Dyer led to a defeat.

Tomorrow the Silkmen travel to managerless, bottom-of-the-table Spennymoor Town. It won’t be easy, but if Rooney’s men play with the same passion and diligence they showed against Scarborough, victory is surely achievable. UTS!

In this one a review of the month looking at all the big moments, new players starting to gel, an enviable defensive record, and of course the goal scoring return of the one and only Danny Elliott.

Podcast available on all good platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. Or you can listen through the player above.

We’re activley looking for more contributors to the podcast in particular from people who are under represented within the fan base. Do get in touch if you’re intrested in getting involved. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future podcasts then leave us a comment and we’ll get it in for future episodes.

In reality John Rooney is attempting to blood seven new first-team signings, whilst navigating being without club captain Paul Dawson and an injury / absentee list which is already stretching the squad to its limit. Those are the facts, but not withstanding, it’s equally fair to say that Macclesfield FC’s ‘results’ have been better than the ‘performances’ in amassing 16 points from 18.

The bank holiday weekend victories over Darlington and Hebburn were hard fought, but importantly, suggest many positives beyond emerging with the six points.

Hebburn – best performance, or the best result?

Monday’s 3-0 win over early table-toppers Hebburn Town has been understandably lauded as the Silkmen’s most complete performance of the season. Three goals, a clean sheet and a (in the end) comfortable victory over a determined and confident Hebburn side, who arrived in SK11 on the crest of the wave following their promotion last season and impressive start.

It’s interesting though how a scoreline can influence opinions of what was ‘good’. Ironically, from an attacking element I’d label Macclesfield’s display as ‘ruthlessly efficient’, rather than ‘dominant’ or ‘dynamic from a statistical standpoint.

· The 8 shots we had against Hebburn was the fewest we’ve had in the league so far compared to the games against Marine (17), Radcliffe (15), Spalding (17), Brackley (15) and Darlington (12)

· As a consequence, our xG (expected goals) tally against Hebburn (1.32) was also statistically lower compared to our other games: Marine (2.14), Radcliffe (2.94), Spalding (1.65), Brackley (1.99) and Darlington (1.98)

· Versus Hebburn we were much more clinical – 8 shots (7 inside the box), 5 on target and 3 excellently taken goals. A stark contrast to only having 2 shots on target against Darlington and Spalding, and just 1 (Shrimpton’s goal) at Marine

It’s been conveniently forgotten that we didn’t muster a solitary effort until Adan George’s 26^th minute opener on Monday – his first in a Silkmen shirt, following a galloping run and drilled centre from Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, who has done admirably standing in for the sidelined Lincoln McFayden.

George’s relief to get off the mark was visibly evident, but Adan’s goal was welcome for other reasons, too.

· This was just Macclesfield’s fourth goal scored in the first half within our last 15 National League North fixtures (including the play-offs vs Chester and Kidderminster)

· In our last 15 NLN games, the Silkmen have gone behind in 11 of them (6 wins, 5 defeats), including against Darlington, Brackley and Radcliffe this season

Macclesfield’s second goal ten minutes after the break was nicely worked, culminating in Fin Shrimpton’s driving run and cross being flicked goalwards by George and into the net via a Hebburn defender. It was announced as an ‘own goal’ and the video highlights appear to confirm a visiting defender got the final touch.

The cherry on top was an early goal of the season contender from Danny Elliott, who controlled Jonathan Ustabasi’s pass and lashed home an unstoppable volley in injury time to cap a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

Defensive dominance

The 3-0 reversal was harsh on a Hebburn side who were seldom carved open, rarely under sustained pressure and who contributed to a competitive game outside of the goals. And this is reflected in the areas of the pitch that had the highest concentration of play: 32% in Hebburn’s final third, 38% in the middle part of the pitch and 30% in Macclesfield’s final third.

Whilst they only contributed 7 shots (2 on target), the away side battled hard and posed plenty of questions to our defence. On the deck, Hebburn won 56% of ground duels, but in the air Macc came out on top winning 62% of all aerial duels.

Our defence were outstanding in limiting Hebburn to so few clear cut chances, with Sam Heathcote and Tom Wilson particularly commanding in forming a central defensive brick wall, which for once afforded Christian Dibble a relatively quiet day at the office.

· Defensive contributions: Heathcote 14, Wilson 9, Dyer 5, CBJ 6

· Recoveries: Heathcote 24, Wilson 12, Dyer 9, CBJ 10

· Aerial duels won vs contested: Heathcote 12 (13), Wilson 5 (6), Dyer 6 (6), CBJ 6 (7)

· Ground duels won vs contested: Heathcote 3 (3), Wilson 1 (2), Dyer 9 (16), CBJ 0 (1)

Combining the above, our back four won 77% of all of their duels, not to mention making a significant number of defensive contributions and ball recoveries. And this came against a table-tipping Hebburn side who had scored in each of their five league games, chalking up 11 goals.

Whilst it was pleasing to score three excellent goals, I don’t think our defence have been given enough credit for how well they performed individually and collectively.

Midfield contributions & playing in the right areas

Our midfield has come under scrutiny so far this season for not quite gelling. New signings Fin Shrimpton and George Wilson have done well in cameos, whilst Elliot Osborne has been searching for his best form.

All three performed strongly against Hebburn. Wilson (George) was involved in the build-up to our first and second goals, playing an accurate crossfield pass into the path of Borthwick-Jackson who served it up on a plate for Adan George to bag. Wilson also showed persistence to regain possession and maintain Macc’s momentum which eventually led to our second.

Shrimpton, whilst typically energetic, looked after the ball better than he has done in previous games and showed strong desire and energy to create our second goal. Finally, this was the most I’ve seen Osborne put himself about in the engine room for a while. And all three of them needed to be against a rugged visiting side.

· Passing accuracy: G Wilson 84%, Shrimpton 86%, Osborne 81%

· All three made more passes in the opposition half compared to their own: G Wilson 35 vs 11, Shrimpton 27 vs 10, Osborne 26 vs 15

· G Wilson: 2 key passes, Shrimpton: 1 assist

· Osborne won 12 of his 16 contested aerial duels

In summary, our midfield were tidy in possession, played more passes, more often in Hebburn’s half and were involved in all three goals, whilst providing solid cover (notably Osborne) to Macclesfield’s defence.

And another thing…in previous articles I’ve banged on that Macclesfield have been making too many passes in the wrong areas, most notably in our defensive third with our central defenders dominating the ball with little penetration.

Bringing in the no-nonsense Tom Wilson, who was magnificent at Darlington and lost a front tooth and sported a black eye for his trouble, appears to have added steel with less faffyness (is that a word?) at the back. Here are our possession and passing stats so far:

WITHOUT Wilson:

· Marine: 59%, 375

· Radcliffe: 71%, 461

· Spalding: 62%, 523

WITH Wilson:

· Brackley: 59%, 436 (but bare in mind Brackley went down to 10 men and latterly 9, so I’d expect our passing stats to be high)

· Darlington: 49%, 333

· Hebburn: 57%, 398

I’m not suggesting that Wilson is responsible for a mentality shift in possession across the whole team, but I believe we’re less ‘pretty’ in central defence and more effective in getting the ball forward into better areas with him in the side.

Dibble: different gravy

I can’t praise our defence against Hebburn without commenting generally on what a colossus Christian Dibble has been in goal since joining from Kidderminster.

· 3 clean sheets in 6 league games – we only managed 8 in the league last season

· 17 saves made, several of them to deny clear goalscoring opportunities

· We’ve conceded 3 goals, but according to xG statistics we should have conceded 6.76. Of course, this could be due to a combination of great goalkeeping or poor finishing! Expected goals (xG) is a metric used to determine how likely a player is to score a chance and to calculate how many goals a team is expected to score in a match

Against Darlington, Dibble’s heroics in the final stages earned us all three points, first spreading himself to keep out a header from point blank range, then diverting a low shot around the post instead of pushing it back out into the danger area with Darlington waiting to convert the rebound.

However, I do think both Dibble and Sam Heathcote need to take responsibility for the shambolic goal we conceded. We got done, once again, by an innocuous ball over the top. Dibble came racing off his line, but Heathcote was closest to the ball and should have taken charge and put it in row z irrespective of whether Dibble gave him the call.

Instead, Heathcote checked his run and tried to shepherd the ball from goalscorer Dylan Stephenson which ended in disaster. Stephenson nipped in (was there a case for handball?) and tapped the ball into the empty net. As I suggested when Dibble came off his line in the opening day win over Marine some you win, some you lose.

Of course, all keeper’s need an element of luck and Dibble got that when Darlington’s Fitzhugh’s curling effort struck the post with the score at 1-1. Overall though, Macclesfield’s keeper has been a superb addition.

George off the mark, Danny is BACK

I gave some love-in to Adan George in my previous article, so I was delighted / relieved / smug when he opened his Silkmen account from close range on Monday. It had been coming.

George was livelier against Brackley, and came close against Darlington – a disallowed goal for offside (correctly, see below), a poor effort over the bar when well placed as well as hitting the post with a deflected shot from Elliott’s cutback.

Adan’s all-round display versus Hebburn was his most effective so far. A poacher’s goal in the six-yard box, combined with persistent harrying and pressing of the visitor’s defence which contributed to two Silkmen openings, plus he was unlucky not to bag a second goal when his near post flick was turned in by a defender. George’s finishing lacks finesse (so far), but his strength, movement and speed are welcome additions to Macclesfield’s attack. Hopefully he can kick on from here.

Danny Elliott’s return to the first-team fold may have been more productive than he and John Rooney could have reasonably anticipated. The Silkmen gaffer has been managing Danny’s return from eight months out injured carefully, and when called upon Macclesfield’s ace marksman duly delivered at Darlington.

A brilliantly taken, first-time shot to stroke the ball in off the post to draw us level. This came from outstanding work by Luke Duffy to thwart three Darlington defenders in midfield before threading a pass to the unmarked Elliott to execute his finish with precision. Danny’s winner was a proper striker’s goal, sliding in from two yards out to covert Ammar Dyer’s pull-back.

AND WHAT A STRIKE from Elliott to seal victory against Hebburn, despatching a powerful volley on his trademark left foot high into the net. Three goals in two games, the Silkmen’s number nine is pushing hard to start. I’ll leave Rooney to ponder the logistics of that one at Merthyr!

Dynamite Dyer

Ammar Dyer has been bright at both ends of the pitch since signing from Telford in the summer and appears to have huge potential. The full-back really came to the fore at Darlington, winning possession in midfield, finding Duffy and then bombing forward to receive the return ball in the box and find Elliott with a perfect cross to fire Macc in front.

Then excellent pressing from Dyer saw him win the ball which eventually found Elliott, whose cutback saw George hit the post. But it was Dyer’s anticipation, tenacity and speed which were instrumental in both of the Silkmen’s chances.

He may not look like it, but Ammar is very tenacious who more often than not wins his battles through timely interventions and a strong leap. For a full-back, his performance numbers really standout in his six games so far.

· Won 52 of 82 ground duels = 63%

· Won 19 of 27 aerial duels = 70%

· Defensive contributions (6 games): 37

· Average passing accuracy = 84%

· Successful dribbles completed: 10 out of 12 = 83%

· Shots: 6 (no goals)

· Assists: 1

Based on the above, I think there’s an argument to say that we need to be getting the ball to Dyer more regularly. He’s a solid defender, good in possession and very capable when running at opposition defenders. With Luke Matheson nearing a return after picking up an injury in pre-season, it’s going to be a fascinating battle for the Silkmen’s right-back spot!

This edition of the newsletter will examine the following themes, so I’ll let you take a view as to whether you want to read on!

· What was ‘wrong’ with our 0-0 draw at Spalding

· Why might Cameron Borthwick-Jackson have been dropped for Brackley

· Would we have beaten Brackley, but for their red card (s)

· Is Jonathan Ustabasi about to kick-on

· Are we failing to recognise Adan George’s qualities

Spalding – a point gained, or two dropped?

I was less than complimentary about our draw away at Spalding, but like anything else, it has to be assessed in overall context. By the end of the 90 minutes the Silkmen were under the cosh, rather than ‘hanging on’, so perhaps emerging with a 0-0 was a ‘good’ point, especially as we followed this up with a home win against Brackley.

The biggest frustration of Macclesfield’s play against the Tulips was our lack of cutting edge in the final third and inability to make their keeper work, despite our various attempts on goal and dominance in possession:

· 17 shots (11 of them inside the box)

· 2 shots on target (a Sam Heathcote header from a corner, and a low drive just inside the area from Elliot Osborne)

· 62% possession

· 523 attempted passes (that’s a huge amount!)

And yet, other than a deflected Fin Shrimpton effort which produced a spectacular sprawling save from Spalding number one, Peter Crook, Macc never looked like scoring. Duffy, Ustabasi, Elliott, Dyer and Osborne all tried their luck in the second half, but only Osborne warmed Crook’s hands.

Afterwards, manager John Rooney lamented his players’ decision making which was a fair assessment of his and supporters’ frustrations. We shot when we should have passed, or retained possession until a better option could support an attack, or sometimes our execution in the final third was simply poor.

The best example of the worst outcome was in the first half when Adan George failed to find an unmarked Jonathan Ustabasi in the six yard box with a simple square pass. George inexplicably overhit it and the chance went begging. I will provide an Adan George ‘love-in’ later on in this article though.

It was Spalding who spurned the game’s two best opportunities which came in the final 20 minutes when the home side stopped paying Macclesfield so much respect. Substitute Cybulski, a centre forward powerhouse, glanced a header inches wide with Dibble beaten, while nippy buzzsaw Jack Roberts blasted over the bar from 12 yards out following a Silkmen defensive catastrophe (see below).

Before then, the Silkmen were fairly comfortable without appearing overly threatening. 523 passes reminded me of the infuriating team we watched before the new year, welded to a 4-2-3-1 formation which lacked creativity and saw us lose tamely away to Chester.

There was far too much sideways and back passing against Spalding and our most potent attacking threats were starved of the ball, and when they did finally receive it, they snatched at their chances. Out of Macclesfield’s 523 passes, 298 (57%) were attempted by our back 5 (goalkeeper and four defenders). And that’s just passes, rather than simply counting touches of the ball (which will be higher).

Borthwick-Jackson and Heathcote made just shy of 200 passes between them! Compare that to George (12), Duffy (26) and Ustabasi (21) and Elliott (4, who replaced George off the bench in the 69^th minute).

Ammar Dyer and Lincoln McFayden, who have impressed as attacking full-backs early into their Silkmen careers, were virtually non-existent in the opposition’s half. We simply didn’t ask enough questions of Spalding and so a draw was a fair result.

Was Borthwick-Jackson unlucky to be dropped for Tom Wilson?

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson has been a calming influence at the back since joining us in January, with his ability to read the game and make some timely defensive interceptions particularly impressive.

CBJ is also comfortable with the ball at his feet, but maybe that’s part of the problem?

Against Spalding, he attempted a whopping 109 passes with an accuracy of 94%, in total having 136 touches of the ball. That might sound impressive on paper, but these stats possibly also highlight CBJ was more of a hindrance than a help towards our attacking impetus.

He was far too pedestrian in getting us up the field, both in terms of thought and movement, preferring to play ‘safe’ passes to Heathcote and Dibble. It was a similar story in the opening day away victory against Marine – solid defensive contribution and high pass completion, whilst also slowing us down and appearing vulnerable against pace.

It’s not just CBJ’s turgid build-up that frustrates me, his lack of mobility (which has yet to be fully exposed this season) is also a concern.

It nearly cost us on two occasions at Spalding. Substitute striker Cybulski almost scored with a header.

In the still above, CBJ has a good starting position to mark the striker as the left wing cross is about to come in (which Dyer failed to cut out).

But look what happens in the next still below.

Cybulski, who didn’t appear the most sprightly of chaps, checked his run and left Borthwick-Jackson flat-footed and sat on his backside as he ended up with a free header on goal. CBJ also got outfoxed by a similarly immobile Jordan Hulme versus Radcliffe,

The second CBJ example I’m going to highlight is much harsher. Here, a sloppy pass from Lincoln McFayden is played behind him and suddenly Spalding are in down the right wing.

But having watched the footage back several times McFayden’s pass, whilst wayward, was hardly struck at a rate of knots – CBJ simply wasn’t nimble enough to react, or to close down Spalding when they got free.

Fortunately, Jack Roberts blazed over when well placed to spare our blushes. McFayden would have carried the can, but CBJ’s lack of speed is alarming.

Rooney elected to drop (or rest, whatever the cap fits!) CBJ and hand summer signing Tom Wilson a debut at centre back alongside Sam Heathcote against Brackley. Wilson is more of a ‘no-nonsense’ defender, by no means uncomfortable on the deck, but not a player who likes to hold onto the ball either.

Did Wilson’s directness benefit us?

I think that might be a stretch to suggest this, but there was certainly less faffing about at the back compared to Spalding. Versus Brackley, Wison (44) and Heathcote (60) attempted 104 passes (compared to 189 from CBJ and Heathcote at Spalding).

Wilson had a strong game – 13 defensive contributions, 22 ball recoveries, 5 out of 8 aerial duels won, with an 86% pass accuracy are impressive numbers. And lets remember, it was Wilson’s long ball down the left wing which was initially collected by Luke Duffy who then found Lincoln McFayden who was scythed down which led to Brackley’s first red card.

Did we get lucky against Brackley?

Suggesting we were ‘lucky’ to beat Brackley feels insulting towards Rooney and the players, but there’s no doubt that Macclesfield got the rub of the green in this fixture. Just as we did (to an extent) when Radcliffe lost both their centre backs to injury in the first half.

Playing against 10 men (and subsequently 9!) is never straightforward, Brackley were a National League side last season who gave an excellent account of themselves in the first half. So much so, that they deservedly took the lead after a concerted spell of pressure.

Macc started brightly – George, Ustabasi and Shrimpton had decent efforts on goal, but from the 23^rd minute onwards we didn’t have a goalscoring attempt until Danny Elliott struck the post five minutes after half-time.

After 30 minutes, Brackley gained a foothold in the game, started to dominate the midfield and physically we struggled to contain them. The visitor’s had a spell of 7 efforts in 15 minutes at the end of the first half, eventually taking the lead with Williams’ hooked effort.

It was a poor goal for Macc to concede which Sam Heathcote may not want to watch back. The Silkmen centre back is competing alongside Brackley striker Campbell to defend against the cross into the box.

Contact between them seems minimal, perhaps a tangling of feet if I’m being charitable to Sam, but even that seems inconclusive on the footage.

Heathcote goes down on the deck like a sack of spuds, the referee allows play to continue and Williams has the run on Dyer and holds him off to finish cooly past Dibble. Heathcote surely has to be stronger in that situation!

In a dramatic end to the half, Brackley’s Coates is given his marching orders just over a minute later. Was it a red card?

I wasn’t certain watching it in ‘real-time’, but replays conclusively revealed that Coates’ tackle was high, dangerous in connecting with McFayden’s ankle which left Macclesfield’s defender requiring lengthy treatment before he hobbled off the pitch, barely able to put any weight on his foot.

The sending off had a significant bearing on the outcome of the game. The 10 men (subsequently reduced to 9 in the 83^rd minute) only had one effort in the second half. In contrast, 11 of Macclesfield’s 15 shots (9 on target, 10 inside the box) came when we had our man advantage.

Prior to the sending off, Brackley were bossing us all over the pitch. The away side won 59% of all ground and aerial duels (56% ground, 61% aerial), they dispossessed Macclesfield on 6 occasions (versus 3 for Brackley) and caught the Silkmen offside 6 times.

Brackley’s holding midfielders, Kai Lissimore (76% passing accuracy) and goalscorer Ewan Williams (77% passing accuracy) were better in possession compared to George Wilson, Elliot Osborne (first half, before he switched to right back in the second), and Fin Shrimpton. Combined, Lissimore and Williams won 18 of their 28 duels and made more defensive contributions than Macclesfield’s midfielders, the latter stat is unsurprising given their backs were against the wall.

The Silkmen did well to keep their heads and eventually find a way to unlock the door, and for that John Rooney’s men deserve praise. Our goals from our perspective (but not from Brackley’s!) were excellent. A peach of a pass from George Wilson and a brilliantly executed finish by Jonathan Ustabasi for the equaliser.

And then a piece of brilliance from Luke Duffy to rob substitute Morris in possession and fire home, albeit Duffy’s strike took a wicked deflection to wrongfoot the keeper and make it 2-1!

10 points, three wins out of four, fourth in the league table is an excellent start. But the element of fortune that we’ve received so far can’t continue.

Is Ustabasi set to go on a run?

Like many, I’ve been slightly underwhelmed by the start to Jonathan Ustabasi’s Silkmen career. He arrived with a (deserved) reputation as a National League North ‘cheat code’ after tearing up this division for AFC Fylde.

We’re only four games in though and Rooney’s return to a 4-2-3-1 formation where we have struggled to gel in midfield has stifled the impact of our attacking players, so it’s important to cut Ustabasi some slack.

I’m learning about Ustabasi’s strengths and weaknesses with every game. He may not be the conventional, get-to-the-byline winger and cross it in type player I thought he was. His pace and directness means he is capable of that undoubtedly, however, he seems more of an ‘inside forward’ drifting in from both wings. An observation, not a criticism, and I’d be surprised if Ustabasi doesn’t have a major impact in our goals and assists column this season.

And there are signs that he’s starting to find his feet. Against Brackley he had his most efforts on goal so far – 3 shots (all on target). He showed excellent control to bring the ball down from Duffy’s deep cross only to be denied by a close range save, which George Wilson then skied the rebound following up.

The pair redeemed themselves moments later. A delightful crossfield pass from Wilson saw ‘Basi lose his man and produce a deft, cushioned volley to make it 1-1. It was a brilliantly executed finish to put Macclesfield in the ascendency.

What I like about Ustabasi is that he’s getting in some excellent goalscoring positions – I highlighted earlier that Adan George spurned a golden chance to play ‘Basi in at Spalding when he’d taken up a central striking position in the box. He’s got a good eye for goal.

On the flip side, Ustabasi’s passing accuracy can be wayward, he’s not attacking opposing full-backs often enough (just 7 attempted dribbles in 4 games (5 successful), and only 3 accurate crosses from 13 delivered).

So there’s room for improvement, but hopefully the goal against Brackley will have done him the world of good.

Stick with George

Adan George has two problems: he’s not Danny Elliott and he is Adan George. I don’t mean to sound flippant, but when a team hasn’t been firing on all cylinders in the final third a striker who has yet to find the net will always come under scrutiny.

And it’s not simply a case of George missing chances, he’s barely laid a glove on Marine’s, Radcliffe’s and Spalding’s defenders in three largely anonymous outings so far. However, I did think there were clear signs of improvement in his overall game against Brackley, whilst I’d still like to see Adan more involved.

· 7 minutes – strike on goal from Duffy’s pass is deflected and parried by Brackley’s keeper

· 19 minutes – Good strength and power from George to get away from Tomlinson on half way, the central defender (later sent off) has no option but to haul him down to earn his first booking

· 50 minutes – Excellent burst of pace from George to get in front of a Brackley defender to claim a ball he was second favourite to win, then show good awareness to find Elliott who hit the post

· 62 minutes - Used his chest with a neat lay-off for Duffy in the build-up to the Ustabasi saved shot / glaring Wilson miss

You might think I’m clutching at straws in my assessment of George’s ‘improvement’. As per the role he largely performed for Telford – he might be a better impact sub than a starter. But while Danny Elliott is slowly edging towards full fitness, we need Adan to push on.

I think he can and will, hopefully starting with a goal at Darlington at the weekend!

A late brace from Luke Duffy saw Macclesfield FC come from behind and earn a 2-1 victory over a crestfallen Radcliffe side who parted company with manager Bernard Morley 72 hours later following another disappointing defeat at Hereford.

At the time of visiting the Moss Rose, Radcliffe had lost something like 15 out of 16 league games, ironically their only victory being a 1-0 win over a much-changed Silkmen team on the final day of last season.

I feel this context is important when assessing just how well John Rooney’s side have began the 2026/27 campaign, given our other win came against Marine who have also lost their opening three league games. And especially so considering Radcliffe lost both of their centre halves (Tom Davies and Michael Nottingham) to injury inside the opening half hour.

So based on the post-match stats, what can we gleam from the Radcliffe performance?

Lincoln McFayden can be a major threat, and an occasional liability

Let’s begin with the positives. New left back Lincoln McFayden’s two assists were outstanding and laid on a plate for Luke Duffy to convert from close range.

The equaliser, immediately from the restart after Radcliffe had taken a fortuitous lead, showed bravery and composure. Not bravery in terms of flying into a tackle, but the willingness to venture forward and gamble on timing a run to perfection and then having the precision to pick out a teammate in the box.

In the above still, we can see George Wilson on the ball and McFayden drifting forward in the top left of the picture. Wilson’s lofted pass was inch perfect as McFayden stayed onside, then galloped towards the byline and his pull-back was hard and accurate into the path of Duffy who cooly finished. A terrific team goal at a crucial moment.

Lincoln’s second assist was arguably even better. Fin Shrimpton’s ball may not have reached McFayden had Radcliffe substitute Jude Oyibo not showed the brains of a rocking horse in attempting to regain possession. But Oyibo, who had only been on the field for four minutes, lunged in trying to win the ball rather than mark his man. That landed him on his arse and McFayden was then in space and could get his head up and pick his spot.

Make no mistake however, Lincoln still had a lot to do with four Radcliffe defenders in the box. Rather than drill the ball across the face of goal, this time McFayden opted for precision as he bent in a beautiful, quick pass sublimely into the path of Duffy who showed excellent movement and anticipation to guide the ball into the net to earn the Silkmen three points.

With the loss of Neil Kengni (sold) and Brandon Lee (injured), combined with Luis Lacey standing in as a makeshift left-back last season, we needed an upgrade in this area and McFayden has all the qualities to succeed. Against Radcliffe he was exceptional from an attacking aspect:

· 2 assists

· 3 ‘big’ chances created

· 4 ‘key’ passes (a pass which directly lead to a teammate’s shot)

· 7 crosses (4 accurate)

· 2 out of 2 successful dribbles

But at the other end, McFayden does represent a cause for concern which probably explains why he wasn’t retained by former club AFC Fylde. Unfortunately Lincoln has a wrick in him, both in terms of concentration and decision-making.

Against Radcliffe, he was guilty of a weak header which was never going to reach Christian Dibble which led to Rio Clegg almost punishing us with a fiercely-struck half-volley. Minutes before that, a sloppy ball from McFayden eventually resulted in Clegg advancing towards the box only to see his effort blocked.

In total, McFayden conceded possession on 23 occasions (which is a lot!) and was dribbled past twice. I think we may have to accept that the full-back will delight and despair at times this season, but his good qualities outweigh his bad.

Do the Silkmen need a Jordan Hulme type striker?

Some might scotch at my suggestion of recommending a veteran, immobile target-man as the solution to our struggles upfront. But it seems clear that we need another ‘option’ in our forward line who can hold the ball up, play with his back to goal and create chances for others.

Jordan Hulme and the now departed James Gale may be similar in stature, but are chalk and cheese as players and I’d rather have someone like Hulme representing us. Hulme’s performance on Saturday might be best remembered for him missing his one-on-one chance which was excellently saved not once, but twice by Christian Dibble. That aside, Hulme produced an immense performance for Radcliffe which on most days would have won the game for his side.

His modest awarded score of 6.4 out of 10 by Sofascore in no way tells the story of his contribution in this game, which is why you’ve always got to assess the bigger picture when hanging your hat on data alone – it can be an indicator, but can’t be taken as gospel. Let’s look at the veteran striker’s contribution in more detail.

· 14 minutes - Hulme outmuscled McFayden following a cross by Radcliffe’s Afuye, which led to a big chance for Michael Nottingham from point-blank range which needed a superb stop by Dibble’s legs to keep the scoreline blank.

· 34 minutes – a long throw saw Davies beat Shrimpton in the air, Hulme then used his strength to get ahead of Cameron Borthwick-Jackson but couldn’t keep his hooked effort under the bar

· 43 minutes – a heavy pass out from Dibble put George Wilson under pressure. He dallied and Hulme showed aggression and anticipation to regain possession and feed Rio Clegg who blazed over from just outside the box. A let off for Macc.

· 47 minutes – a Radcliffe chance went begging following another vital stop by Dibble, with Hulme heavily involved once more. A long-throw saw Roscoe win his header against Osborne, Hulme then did well to hold the ball up and keep Borthwick-Jackson at bay before laying it off for Roscoe to shoot who saw his effort saved.

· 53 minutes – Hulme should have done better when one-on-one against Dibble. The Silkmen keeper smothered his first attempt, but Hulme should have squared it for Taylor, rather than electing to shoot again from a tight angle which Dibble also saved

· Before Radcliffe scored – Wilson was dispossessed and Hulme showed towering strength to retain the ball and then the vision to release Taylor in the left wing channel who was advancing towards the goal. It didn’t go down as a ‘chance’ per se as Taylor slightly overran the ball and Dibble was able to come out and dive at his feet to snuff out the attack. But Hulme, once more, was at the heart of it.

· 78 minutes – Radcliffe goal. Hulme was instrumental in the visitor’s taking a shock lead. Yet another long-throw into the penalty area saw Hulme control it with his back to goal, flip the ball over his head which bamboozled Borthwick-Jackson and his arrowed shot was beaten away by Dibble, only into the path of Taylor whose effort somehow ricocheted off the 4G surface and looped over everyone into the net

Hulme may not look the part, but if you want an example of a what a good, old-fashioned centre forward’s performance looks like, this is the closest you’re going to get to it. He was directly involved in creating six presentable opportunities for Radcliffe, and on another day might have bagged himself with better composure. And all this from just 30 touches of the ball.

Contrast this with the performance of Hulme’s opposite number, Adan George. I think Adan will prove himself this season, but we as a team and he himself needs to do more to help him. George only touched the ball 23 times, made 1 key pass and had two attempts on goal – volleying over when Duffy’s shot was partially saved, and then failing to head Lacey’s cross on target when his back was facing away from goal. George has promise, and might be a different type of forward to Hulme, but he could learn a lot from the veteran.

Dibble the difference as Radcliffe carve out chances from scraps

John Rooney’s side enjoyed 71% possession against Radcliffe’s 29%, with Macc making 461 passes compared to the away side’s 179.

But worryingly the visitors carved out several openings from their 11 goalscoring attempts, which required Christian Dibble to be at his brilliant best to keep the Silkmen in the game as he made 5 top saves. On another day Hulme (from his one-on-one), Nottingham and Roscoe may have converted and the lofted praise (for me) that some supporters (and Rooney, in fairness) are heaping on our defence may have been given a reality check.

It will be interesting to see how many chances Macc give up when we aren’t able to dominate the ball as much. A combination of Dibble’s brilliance and some poor finishing from Marine, Radcliffe and Spalding are the reason for us registering two clean sheets out of three so far. But the law of averages suggests this can’t continue.

Midfield concerns

I highlighted in my Marine analysis that the balance of our midfield between Elliot Osborne, George Wilson and Fin Shrimpton didn’t seem quite right, yet…

And while as a collective they faired better against Radcliffe (Wilson in particular), it wasn’t a surprise that Osborne made way for Luis Lacey against Spalding on Tuesday (analysis of that game to follow).

Osborne is a tidy and cultured player when allowed to do what he wants. He showed great skill and awareness to win the ball, turn and curl a cracking shot which cannoned off the post from 30 yards which almost gave Macclesfield the lead. I think there’s an argument for playing Osborne in an advanced attacking midfield position – he has excellent intelligence, can pick out a defence splitting pass and his shooting from distance is a genuine threat.

‘Ozzy’ is traditionally seen as a holding, defensive midfielder sitting just in front of the back four, but I wonder how sustainable this might be in the latter stages of his career in the sixth tier of English football? On Saturday, we saw more evidence of Osborne not having the legs or the strength to keep up, on occasions.

On 13 minutes it he was dispossessed by Greenfield who ran forward and shot tamely wide.

Then on 53 minutes Elliot carelessly lost possession when in the ascendency in Radcliffe’s half. It was as if he doubted his ability to carry the ball forward, went to turn back to find a teammate which gave Radcliffe the opportunity to nip in and launch a long ball forward which put Hulme through one-on-one.

Osborne was replaced by Lacey with just under 20 minutes to go who made a good impact off the bench. Luis produced two excellent right-wing crosses for George and Danny Elliott, the latter which was begging to be buried but Elliott couldn’t keep his header down from six yards out. Lacey also had a close-range shot blocked. Sadly, Luis hobbled off after 25 minutes against Spalding so Osborne is likely to be recalled for tomorrow’s game against Brackley, unless Rooney gives Carlos Dos Santos a rare opportunity, assuming Lacey doesn’t make it.

With Paul Dawson and Josh Kay suspended, Osborne could be set for an extended run in midfield but he must do more – just 49 touches vs Radcliffe in comparison to 82 from George Wilson alongside him in the defensive midfield role who had a greater say on proceedings.

Macc ARE creating chances, but could we be creating (and scoring!) more

For all the Silkmen’s attacking prowess on paper – Duffy, Ustabasi, George, Shrimpton and the soon-to-be returning to the starting eleven, Danny Elliott, three goals in three league games represents a modest return thus far.

Of course it’s early days, but does the relatively small sample size suggest we’re about to be banging in goals sooner rather than later?

If John Rooney persists with the current personnel in a 4-2-3-1 formation, I’d argue ‘no’, but there is positive evidence to the contrary based on the Radcliffe data alone (I’m just grouchy after Spalding).

Up until the Chester game (30 December) last season Rooney stuck rigidly to a 4-2-3-1 set-up. That saw us invariably enjoy greater possession but look toothless in attack, far too reliant on the excellent finishing ability of Danny Elliott.

After Christmas, with Elliott injured, Rooney took the handbrake off and switched to a 4-3-3 line-up, playing Luke Duffy further forward on the right wing as Duffy became a revelation in registering 9 goals and 4 assists. As a team, Macclesfield played more directly and got the ball forward far quicker into the likes of Duffy, D’Mani Mellor and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts, supported by Paul Dawson and James Edmondson from midfield.

It’s fair to argue that only Duffy currently remains in the team – Mellor, Buckley-Ricketts and Edmondson have departed, and Dawson (who scored 12 league goals), is suspended for four more games. Maybe that’s why Rooney has opted for a more conservative approach as his revamped midfield understandably takes time to gel?

Whatever the rationale, our defenders are seeing far too much of the ball, we’re scoring fewer goals and not creating as many clear-cut chances. Against Radcliffe we had:

· 71% possession and made 461 passes…

· But out of those 461 passes, 249 (54%), were made by our goalkeeper and back four. In particular, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson made more passes than anyone at 78. Breaking news… CBJ completed OVER 100 passes against Spalding. Whilst we retained possession well, we were often too slow and telegraphed when building from the back.

· Contrast this against our 5-1 hammering of Kidderminster in February, and we only had 40% possession and completed 191 passes. But significantly we had 13 shots, 8 on target and 9 of them were in the penalty area…

· Aside from a couple of tame efforts from Duffy and Ustabasi in the first half, it took us until the 57^th minute to register an effort of significance when Osborne struck the post. But this was a notable IMPROVEMENT on our attacking performance vs Marine (just one shot on target, Shrimpton’s goal).

Versus Radcliffe, we managed 15 shots, 7 on target and an impressive 10 efforts inside the box. Osborne hit the woodwork, Duffy ought to have scored following Ustabasi’s burst and pass, Ammar Dyer might have done better with his shot which was parried from close range, and on another day Danny Elliott would have converted Lacey’s centre. And let’s be fair, regardless of the timings, the Silkmen DID score two brilliant goals thanks to McFayden and Duffy’s superb play.

Width is vital

For me, the key to us hitting the back of the net more regularly is to utilise the pace and strong attacking luxuries we’ve got out wide, which was largely neglected against Spalding. Dyer, McFayden, Duffy and Ustabasi are a real handful, but we need to get the ball to them quicker in the right areas, more regularly.

I’ll analyse the Spalding game in detail when I can, most likely early next week. From an attacking aspect we were disappointing and it will be intriguing to see how we approach tomorrow’s game against Brackley Town, If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading and UTS.

The match stats and maybe even tomorrow’s match highlights will be kind to us. But they shouldn’t shape the narrative that the reality is the Silkmen are yet to click this season against Marine, Radcliffe & Spalding.

Match stats:

Shots on target: Spalding 1, Macc 4

Shots off target: Spalding 5, Macc 8

Corners: Spalding 4, Macc 5

In context, with the bigger picture in mind, perhaps 7 points out of 9 is all well and good. But I’d be surprised if these three sides aren’t in the bottom eight come the end of the season, and if you’re in agreement with me, you’ve got to put tonight’s ‘result’ in context.

First half

We didn’t get going for 25 mins. John Rooney set us up in a 4-2-3-1 - Luis Lacey (deservedly for me) came in for Elliot Osborne on the right of midfield with Luke Duffy played centrally, Ustabasi on the left and Wilson and Shrimpton as the defensive midfield pairing.

A quick point on Luke Duffy, and I’ll argue this until I’m blue in the face. Yes, he’s talented, yes he can be creative centrally and he’s arguably the only natural ‘number 10 / attacking midfielder’ in the squad.

But here’s the thing. Luke Duffy’s best form for us since January, where he contributed multiple goals and assists are when he has played wide right in a 4-3-3. So if it wasn’t broken, why are we trying to fix it by negating his and (to a lesser extent) Jonathan Ustabasi’s effectiveness?

In fairness, I think the penny dropped for Rooney midway through the first half. Lacey was sacrificed, somewhat harshly, after 26 minutes and I don’t think he had picked up a knock. On came Osborne to partner Wilson in central midfield, Shrimpton was pushed further forward and Duffy switched to right midfield. It was still a 4-2-3-1 set-up, but we suddenly started to dictate play.

The largely ineffective Adan George found the side-netting after a long clearance by Dibble. A promising run from Ustabasi earned a corner which saw Heathcote’s goal bound header cleared. And the generally impressive George Wilson flashed a free-kick centrally narrowly past the post.

Adan George got into a good position in space, but his cross-come shot failed to pick out Ustabasi. My immediate irritation felt he was shooting which is why his pass for Ustabasi was so poor.

Spalding asked a few questions initially, mainly through nippy forward Jack Roberts, but rarely threatened. Macc were largely in control, however we played far too sideways and back between Dibble, Heathcote & Borthwick-Jackson, with full-backs Dyer & McFayden struggling to get any traction.

Second half

Rooney sent the Silkmen out early. I don’t know if this was deliberate, but we certainly began the second half on the front foot. Territorially we dominated until the last ten minutes, yet infuriatingly failed to create a single, clear cut goalscoring opportunity and had to ride our luck as Spalding realised they had nothing to fear late on.

A nicely worked exchange between Duffy and George saw the latter feed Osborne whose fierce drive was turned around the post by Spalding keeper Peter Crook.

Ammar Dyer got in behind for a rare occasion after latching onto Dibble’s long ball but his cross was straight at Crook. And then Duffy’s deep cross to the back post was headed over the bar by Ustabasi.

You couldn’t fault the Silkmen’s application, the tempo was far better after the break, but often our decision making in the final third was not of the standard required. A case in point being when Heathcote found Wilson in space with a beautiful defence splitting ball, only to see Wilson dally in getting his shot off and a promising opening was squandered.

Luke Duffy, finally operating on the right wing in a 4-3-3, flashed a curling effort inches wide with Crook scrambling. And then a lovely ball from Wilson created a good opening for Ustabasi but he couldn’t hit the target.

It was mostly one-way traffic, however Spalding gradually became more threatening. They started to get joy down their right wing as Lincoln McFayden became ragged defensively, A delicious cross saw substitute striker Cybulski glance a header narrowly off target.

Rooney introduced Danny Elliott off the bench for George after 66 minutes and Danny was well involved. Firstly, he shot high over the bar from 25 yards out, but his second effort from Duffy’s lay off was much closer although Crook in goal didn’t need to make a save.

The Silkmen had huffed and puffed all evening without coming close to blowing Spalding’s house down, failing to turn their possession into any real quality. And we were almost made to pay.

A dangerous Spalding centre was turned behind and the Tulips almost scrambled in the resultant corner until Macc desperately hacked it clear. The home side finally believed they could win it and Silkmen supporters had to endure some anxious moments.

McFayden got beat and Spalding’s cross saw an effort hit the side netting. Then a looping centre had Dibble back-pedalling and we were forced to concede a corner which came to nothing. In the end, we were probably relieved to come away with a point given how Spalding were in the ascendancy late on.

Positives

• We looked much better when we finally switched to 4-3-3 and carved out several openings in the second half

• George Wilson was busy and took responsibility to get us going forward whenever he could

• Danny Elliott was lively and looked fit and strong in his 30-minute cameo, even flying into a 50-50 tackle. He should start v Brackley on Saturday

• We’re unbeaten in three league games without finding our stride fully yet as our new signings find their feet

• A second clean sheet in both away games this season

Negatives

• We started too slowly, again. Not an attempt on goal until after 25 minutes

• Too much farting about playing sideways from the back between Heathcote & Borthwick-Jackson stifles our forward momentum

• Our attacking full-backs Dyer & McFayden can be great weapons, but they failed to ask any questions of Spalding despite us dominating the ball

• We need to figure out how to get the best out of Jonathan Ustabasi. He did have a number of efforts on goal, however we’ve not seen him as a flying winger getting to the byline as per his stellar reputation thus far

• The midfield dynamic isn’t working seamlessly and we lack tenacity and urgency. Captain Paul Dawson’s return from suspension can’t come soon enough

• After a promising end to pre-season, Adan George has gone off the boil. He’s been largely anonymous against Radcliffe and tonight. I’m not sure the 4-2-3-1 formation plays to his strengths and he’s been isolated

In this one a review of the Silkmen’s fantastic opening day win away at Marine and a good look at what we might expect for Macc in this new National League North season.

Podcast available on all good platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and many more. Or you can listen through the player above.

We’re activley looking for more contributors to the podcast in particular from people who are under represented within the fan base. Do get in touch if you’re intrested in getting involved. If there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future podcasts then leave us a comment and we’ll get it in for future episodes.

Regular readers will know that I published a match report soon atter the final whistle which captured my immediate thoughts. However, this article will conduct a deep-dive into the game’s key talking points and various data statistics. Some of the stats have surprised me.

We’ll start with the talking points before attempting to make sense of the statistical elements.

Key talking points:

Should Marine’s disallowed goal have stood?

The home side had the ball in the net after just a couple of minutes, but the referee immediately blew to signal that Charlie Jolley had manhandled Christian Dibble to the deck in the build-up. Frustratingly, neither Marine’s or Macclesfield’s match highlights showed the incident so we’ll have to assume there was nothing contentious about the decision.

It happened at the opposite end to where 600+ Silkmen fans were assembled, with visibility further impacted by the blazing sunshine. One partisan Marine supporter did comment on X: “Connor’s disallowed goal early on was harsh, as Dibble said to a few fans behind the goal ‘I was lucky to get away with that.’”

Maybe keep your opinions to yourself Dibbs going forward? ;-)

Should Macc have had a penalty?

Supporters stood near me were convinced the Silkmen should have been awarded a penalty in a dramatic 90-second spell which almost saw Marine score at the other end. Elliot Osborne made a nuisance of himself and the ball ricocheted into the path of Mariners’ defender Drysdale whose arm did connect with the ball.

It’s difficult to tell from the grainy YouTube footage, but looking at the positioning of Drysdale’s arm in the still above it does seem to be elevated unnaturally and there’s no doubt he makes contact with the ball. So for my money, I’m inclined to agree that Macclesfield were unlucky not to be awarded a spot kick.

Dibble to the rescue

After a testing opening to the game, Macclesfield enjoyed a spell of pressure but almost came unstuck. Adan George and Luke Duffy both had attempts blocked when in advanced positions, the loose ball broke to George Wilson who couldn’t make his mind up.

The new midfield signing from Flyde turned into trouble, ended up being pick-pocketed and suddenly we were in danger.

Former Silkmen trialist Jordan Hodkin had the run on both Sam Heathcote and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson approximately 35-40 yards from goal. Christian Dibble came racing off his line which influenced Hodkin to try a chipped effort, but the ball sailed comfortably wide.

Dibble emerged with credit for his rapid response which seemed to panic the inexperienced striker who would have been better trying to round the keeper and steer the ball into the empty net. Goalkeepers are paid to make big decisions in the blink of an eye – on another day maybe Dibble ends up with egg on his face for bolting too early, but credit where it’s due, his quick thinking ultimately paid off.

The Silkmen’s new number one was a calming influence throughout the afternoon, making four saves in total. Notably, Dibble saved a headed effort at the second attempt from a corner before half-time, then produced an excellent sprawling save to divert Fin Sinclair-Smith’s drive around the post in what was a stellar debut from the renowned keeper.

Was Shrimpton’s effort over the line?

Match-winner Fin Shrimpton was at the heart of everything good (and occasionally bad!) from a Macclesfield perspective. His curling effort after a nicely crafted eight-pass move struck the bar and bounced down before Marine eventually cleared their lines.

Was it over the line? The footage, which wasn’t the best, is inconclusive. I’ve slowed it down and zoomed in on numerous occasions but trying to locate the proximity of the ball in relation to white shirts is virtually impossible. Unlike Macc’s penalty shout which wasn’t given, my gut feeling is that the officials made the right call on this particular incident.

Fortunately, it didn’t matter as Fin eventually bagged the winner midway through the second half. More on his performance further down.

Data analysis:

Defences on top

Despite the sweltering conditions, both teams went at it hammer-and-tongue although ultimately both team’s defences came out on top.

Of the 35 attempts on goal (Marine 18, Macc 17), just 5 were on target, and in the Silkmen’s case Shrimpton’s winner was our only effort on target in the entire game. Marine’s backline performed heroically, blocking 10 of our 17 shots. But the Silkmen’s rearguard were also mightily impressive, blocking 7 Marine attempts.

I scored Cameron Borthwick-Jackson just 5 out of 10 for what I felt was an uncharacteristically sloppy performance and to an extent I still stand by that view. He looked sluggish and appears to be carrying extra weight after missing part of pre-season, his short passes were often underhit which put his teammates in trouble on various occasions in the first half. Whilst on other occasions he resorted to aimlessly pumping long balls forward which turned over possession.

Having said that (and I’ll concede I did CBJ a disservice), statistically he was the best defender on the pitch. Marine chucked the kitchen sink at us early on and the Silkmen’s defence magnificently stood firm. Borthwick-Jackson led the charge with 22 defensive contributions (7 interceptions, 14 clearances, 1 blocked shot) and centre back partner Sam Heathcote also impressed with 14 defensive contributions.

But with the ball at their feet, Cameron and Sam struggled with Marine’s players snapping at their heels. CBJ’s passing accuracy of 75% was low by his high standards and he completed only 36% of his long passes, compared to 44% from Heathcote.

We were under the cosh at times, so it’s particularly pleasing to see how well John Rooney’s new full-back signings Ammar Dyer and Lincoln McFayden coped in the lion’s den.

Dyer in particular was a revelation. 12 defensive contributions, whilst he also won 11 out of his 14 ground duels and both his aerial duels. He was also key to getting us up the pitch – successfully completing 3 out of 3 dribbles and he had 2 shots blocked, not to mention making some excellent forays into the final third and it was Dyer who won the corner which led to Shrimpton’s firing us into the lead.

McFayden also defended soundly, although he was more wasteful in possession. Lincoln made 10 defensive contributions, and won 7 of his 9 ground and aerial duels. He showed less ambition than Dyer going forward, however was resolute in denying Marine opportunities down the right flank.

Sloppy midfield

We’ve highlighted how well Christian Dibble and the back four played which was critical to earning the Silkmen an opening day win. They were not helped though by the sloppiness of Elliot Osborne, George Wilson and even match-winner Fin Shrimpton on occasions though.

I really like Osborne when he’s on the ball – he’s an intelligent and accurate passer who was involved in our best attacking moves. It was Ozzy who picked out the run of Dyer which forced the corner ultimately resulting in Shrimpton scoring from. But a lack of mobility and strength off the ball is a concern in games where we can’t automatically dictate the pattern of play, particularly away from home.

Marine’s McAleny drifted past Osborne and curled fractionally wide on 9 minutes. Then midway through the second half, a careless sideways pass from Osborne put the home side into the ascendency which ultimately saw Dibble come to our rescue with a sprawling save. Osborne’s primary job was to be a screening player in front of the back four. He did some things well – 82% passing accuracy and won 5 out of 6 ground duels, but made only 2 defensive contributions beyond that.

I’m not sure whether Osborne and George Wilson are too similar to be effective in tandem, however with Paul Dawson and Josh Kay suspended for 6 and 9 more league games respectively, John Rooney is light on options in the middle of the park. Wilson was slightly more effective at doing the dirty work but still conceded possession on 17 occasions, which almost proved calamitous when Jordan Hodkin was sent clear as we analysed above.

And while Fin Shrimpton deservedly took the man-of-the-match accolade, it’s important that we scrutinise his performance as a whole. At 54%, he had the poorest passing completion of any Silkmen player and unsurprisingly given that stat no one in a blue shirt turned the ball over more than Shrimpton (21 times).

It’s fair to say we saw the best and worse of Shrimpton on Saturday. His loose pass on the stroke of half-time presented a good opportunity to Marine’s Darby which he ought to have done better with. After a shaky start, Shrimpton gradually stamped his authority on the game. He hit the post with an audacious effort, produced a fine finish for his goal and made a vital interception to deflect a Marine shot over the bar. In possession Shrimpton was slack, but out of it he defended effectively – 9 defensive contributions, in addition to making 2 key passes which led to shots from Macclesfield players.

Rooney’s tactical tweak stems the tide

We lined up in a 4-3-3 formation but could barely string a pass together in the opening ten minutes as Marine dominated territorially. Gradually we gained a foothold and started to dictate possession after about half an hour.

Rooney elected to go to 4-2-3-1 with Osborne and Wilson acting as holding midfielders in front of the defence. Luke Duffy and Jonathan Ustabasi dropped back from being more conventional attacking wingers to more defensively-minded wide midfielders and played important parts in helping Macc to eventually get a grip of the game. Shrimpton moved into the attacking midfield / ‘number 10’ position, leaving Adan George as the lone striker.

The tactical switch worked, with only Marine presented opportunities by the occasional sloppy play of our midfielders. Overall, Macc enjoyed 59% possession, made more passes (375 v 237) with greater accuracy (71% to 57%). The whole team defended resolutely, evidenced by Macclesfield making 31 interceptions compared to 19 from Marine.

More to come from Adan George?

Adan George was starved of possession for long periods during this frenetic encounter – just 33 touches of the ball. But when the striker did have it, he looked a threat. George’s well-struck shot in the first half was diverted away from goal by an excellent block from Marine’s Drysdale. Adan also played a delightful ball into the path of Ammar Dyer whose pull-back to Duffy saw him denied by more last ditch defending from Marine.

Rooney’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 line-up did see George drift out of the game for long periods. He did eventually come to life midway through during the second half. It was George’s deft lay-off which led to a presentable opportunity to Ustabasi which the winger blazed over the bar. Adan also attempted a decent long-range strike in the closing stages.

I liked the look of George when he ran the channels, he’s quick and an intelligent passer. If we can provide him with decent service I think he’ll regularly hit the back of the net and contribute assists on top.

Did we deserve the three points?

Few people would have grumbled had the points been shared. But on balance, despite only having one shot on target Macc just about deserved it. We gradually dominated possession and created the better openings (2.14 expected goals vs 1.36), only to be denied by some dogged defending by Marine.

We can and must play better, but in the end found a way to win against stubborn opponents in sapping conditions on a bone-dry pitch.

This is a quick report. We’ll do a follow-up analysis piece once the stats are available, but here are the main takeaways from Macclesfield’s opening day victory in the blazing Merseyside sun.

Marine 0 Macclesfield 1

Shots on target: Marine 4, Macc 1

Shots off target: Marine 4, Macc 6

Corners: Marine 4, Macc 3

First half

The Silkmen were slow out of the traps as Marine placed us under pressure for the opening ten minutes, floating several crosses into the box. Macclesfield’s passing was rushed and careless, and Marine were quicker to the second balls.

The Mariners did have the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed after Christian Dibble was fouled in the build-up.

At the other end, the Silkmen had a decent penalty appeal on 12 minutes when Adan George’s cross appeared to be deliberately handled in the box, but the referee wasn’t entertaining it.

The game sprung to life on 17 minutes. George’s fierce shot was well blocked by defender Drysdale. The ball broke in midfield and George Wilson was beaten to the loose ball. Cameron Borthwick-Jackson dallied and former Silkmen trialist Jordan Hodkin’s chipped effort went narrowly wide of Christian Dibble’s goal.

Macc gradually got a foothold in the game, largely dominating possession from 25 minutes. Ammar Dyer got in behind, his centre found Luke Duffy whose shot was well blocked.

Then on 42 minutes summer signing from Chester Fin Shrimpton hit the bar with a curling effort from the left wing. It will be interesting to see the replay as to whether the ball crossed the line, although in fairness protests from Macclesfield’s players were modest.

Second half

John Rooney’s side started the second half more purposefully. Lincoln McFayden got to the byline but his low cross failed to pick out a blue shirt in the box. Then Jonathan Ustabasi blazed over at the back post from a good position.

Marine responded well and started to ask questions of Macc in wide areas. Then a loose pass by Elliot Osborne let Fin Sinclair-Smith in, but his well-struck drive was tipped around the post by Dibble which proved to be a vital stop by the Silkmen’s new keeper.

Four minutes later Dyer won a rare corner for the away side. Duffy swung it in and Shrimpton at his second attempt rifled the ball into the roof of the net, showing technique, power and accuracy to give Macclesfield the lead. 0-1.

Marine searched for an equaliser, but solid handling by Dibble and defensive headers from Dyer, Heathcote and Duffy saw us hold firm.

The Silkmen rarely threatened a second goal, apart from when George wriggled clear only to be snuffed out in the box and his ambitious effort in injury time sailed wide.

Player ratings

Dibble 7.5 - a clean sheet on his debut. Showed great reflexes to get down low to divert Sinclair-Smith’s shot around the post which proved to be instrumental. Made another smart save from a corner, gathering at the second attempt and an important stop on the stroke of half-time. Spilled one catch, but very solid other than that.

Dyer 7 - grew into the game, got into promising positions in the final third and won the corner which led to Macc’s winner after a burst forward. Sometimes leaves gaps in behind when he does advance up the pitch.

Heathcote 7 - not great in possession in the first half, but very good defensively in the second making several clearances as Marine flung crosses into the area.

Borthwick-Jackson 5 - lackadaisical in and out of possession. Started slowly, placed his teammates under pressure with some ill-judged poor passes and generally looked suspect.

McFayden 6 - didn’t show the same ambition as his opposite full-back Dyer, but was rarely challenged defensively.

Osborne 6 - didn’t get hold of the game in midfield and nearly cost us with a poor pass which needed a smart stop from Dibble to keep it 0-0. In fairness, it was Osborne’s incisive pass into the path of Dyer which saw us win a corner which ultimately led to our winner.

Wilson 5 - disappointing performance after an encouraging pre-season. Slow, sloppy and displayed poor awareness. He’s much better than he showed today.

Shrimpton 8 - great finish and gradually made his mark on the game at both ends after a hurried beginning where he treated the ball like hot potato. Very unlucky not to score in the first half, and it was Shrimpton who made a vital block to deflect Marine’s angled shot behind for a corner. Showed good energy and passion to drag us over the line.

Duffy 7 - started on the right in a 4-3-3 formation, but played an attacking midfield role in a 4-2-3-1 as Rooney switched tactics to try and gain a foothold following a difficult opening. Had some decent efforts blocked, and made some excellent defensive headers from corners.

George 7 - a livewire who fed off scraps. Denied by s fine block in the first half, and increasingly put Marine on the back foot after we took the lead.

Ustabasi 6 - on the periphery. Showed great skill to nutmeg his opposing full-back twice, but failed to build on that. Picked up a needless booking after squaring up to Marine’s right back after he’d shepherded the ball out in the first half.

Subs:

Lacey 7 - on for Osborne after 74 minutes. Floated one teasing cross into the box which just evaded Ustabasi, and made a crunching tackle to win back possession in the final third. Good cameo.

Attendance: 2,145

Having chosen to leave Lynn after being named their Supporters’ Player of the Season, Wilson is believed to have attracted interest from National League and Football League clubs, including Hartlepool, Woking, Tamworth, Colchester, Newport and Barnsley.

But it’s Macclesfield who have moved decisively to capture the defender’s signature, offering him a contract after Wilson impressed in three 45-minute appearances against Cheadle Town, Leek Town and a youthful Wolves X1 at the weekend. Wilson, who turned 25 in May, has looked composed at the back and shown an excellent passing range in his cameo roles for the Silkmen thus far.

A colossal signing

Manager John Rooney desperately needed to add more steel to Macclesfield’s backline following the departures of Rollin Menayese and Lewis Fensome, leaving only Sam Heathcote and Cameron Borthwick-Jackson as recognised centre backs in the squad.

But moreover, the Silkmen conceded 68 goals in 46 league games last season, only the joint 11^th best in the National League North, whilst keeping just 8 clean sheets, the joint 15^th worst in the division. In contrast, King’s Lynn only stayed up on goal difference but still managed to register 13 clean sheets and concede 4 fewer goals than Macclesfield with Wilson as a mainstay at the back.

Released by Sheffield United as a youngster, Wilson worked his way-up the non-league pyramid catching the eye for Hallam, Belper and Stalybridge which earned hm a move to FC Halifax Town in the National League. However, Wilson was restricted to limited opportunities at the Shay and elected to join King’s Lynn for the 2024-25 season as the Linnett’s finished in the play-offs before losing to Chorley in their eliminator.

During his time with King’s Lynn, Wilson has shown to be a commanding, non-nonsense centre back who is also vocal. Good in the air but equally comfortable on the deck with both feet, Tom is proven playing in a back four or in a back three. In other words, he’s exactly what Rooney has been looking for with his best years ahead of him.

Wilson’s whole-hearted aggression should make him popular with Silkmen fans. But he’ll need to channel that appropriately having collected 11 yellow cards last season. And given his 6’5 frame, Wilson should chip in with more goals having only scored once for King’s Lynn.

The Silkmen’s recruitment manifesto delivers again

Apart from that, Wilson ticks nearly every box and should be an excellent addition to Macclesfield’s rearguard which has also been boosted by the signings of goalkeeper Christian Dibble and full-backs Lincoln McFayden and Amar Dyer.

Wilson becomes Macclesfield’s seventh signing of the close season, which has also seen the additions of George Wilson, Fin Shrimpton and Jonathan Ustabasi. Another proven National League North operator, a standout performer at his previous club at the right age with the potential to play higher. John Rooney, Francis Jeffers and Jonathan Bull have played another blinder here in their ‘quality over quantity’ recruitment manifesto.

But don’t take their word for it in isolation. Have a read of the below Kings’ Lynn supporters’ views on Tom Wilson if you need further convincing.

King’s Lynn fans’ views on Tom Wilson

“Don’t blame him (for leaving). He’s off to a higher league for sure”

“He might as well take his 15 bookings with him also”

“Tom, thanks for everything. A one hundred percenter”

“Thanks for everything, Tom. Brilliant player and I’m sure you’ll get a well deserved move up the leagues”

“Great for Lynn. Always gave it everything and will be missed by all”

“Brilliant player for Lynn – one of the best and consistent players to grace The Walks in the last few years. Deserves to play in the Football League”

“Good luck to him. Personally think he’ll go to a National League club. He’s good enough”

“No surprise (he’s leaving) Lynn only just managed to keep him last season”

“Massive blow. Eventually Football League bound”

“Sad news but he’s too good for this level. He’ll get picked up by a bigger club”

“Big loss. Lad’s got a bright future”

“Gutted. If I were Tom I certainly would not be staying – National League or League 2 I would say”

“Very sad but completely understandable. Could easily be playing League football”

“Everyone’s worst fear has become a reality”

“He really f*****g hated losing. Going to be a big miss”

“I’m gutted Tom’s leaving and think he could play National League or even League Two. He was my player of the year and I’m surprised he stayed on last term. I now won’t be buying a season ticket for definite”

“Not surprised. Obviously a talented young lad with ambition”

“Impressive player even though still learning his trade, and consistently one of our best performers”

“Such a good player and such a good teammate to the squad”

“Bloody well deserved (Supporters’ Player of the Season award). He’s been immense at the back”

“Been consistent all season”

“Tom ‘the brick wall’ Wilson. Absolute baller”

Let’s not get too giddy. The Silkmen’s 4-0 friendly victory came against the gallant Cheadle Town who will play in the Midland Football League Premier Division this season – Step 5 of the pyramid, having been moved laterally from the North West Counties League due to geographical allocations.

This fixture was laid on a plate for the Silkmen’s trialists to impress and most of them took their opportunity. Four in the first half (2 centre backs, a winger and a striker), and five in the second half (goalkeeper, centre back, right winger, striker and an attacking midfielder).

Although in total we only saw 8 trialists because the first-half centre back (no.5) remained on the field for 75 minutes before he was replaced by Paul Dawson. This was because Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (who was intended to play) felt a minor niggle in the warm-up and was omitted as a precaution. New winger signing Jonathan Ustabasi was also absent due to attending a pre-arranged personal engagement which the club consented to.

If I’m going to be pedantic, you could argue that only 7 ‘’new’ trialists were on show given that trialist number 11 was possibly / definitely Josh Kay. Josh was largely anonymous playing on the left wing in the first half, but he did last 45 minutes after appearing to sustain a knock in Macc’s opening pre-season win over Hyde. I devoted almost the entirety of my Hyde report to Kay so I’m not going there again.

Hitman Hodkin bags another brace

The talk of the stands was once again dominated by our trialist striker (this time wearing no.18, the photo above is from last week) who many supporters believe to be Jordan Hodkin – a 19-year old released by Crewe Alexandra who had loan spells at Leek, Nantwich Town and Bamber Bridge last season.

The youngster impressed when netting twice against Hyde a week ago – an instinctive hooked finish and then charging down a keeper clearance before tapping in his second.

Yesterday Hodkin showed us different attributes in his locker. A fox-in-the-box as he headed home a Luke Duffy corner from six-yards out to give Macc the lead on nine minutes. The pair linked up again on 31 minutes as Hodkin made it 2-0 with a finish of real promise. Playing on the shoulder as a traditional ‘number 9’, Hodkin waited then timed his run to perfection to latch onto Duffy’s slide-rule pass before cooly finishing under the keeper’s body. A simplistic finish perhaps, but there was much to admire about Hodkin’s movement and striker’s instinct in its execution.

Jordan even had the ball in the net for a third time on 41 minutes, side-footing home after quick build-up from Shrimpton and Matheson but was adjudged offside.

Can he do it on a cold Tuesday night in Scarborough? (cheers fixture computer). That remains to be seen. Hands up. I do recall getting ahead of myself this time last year when proclaiming Carlos Dos Santos as non-league’s Bruno Fernandes after CDS had danced rings around Newcastle Town.

It’s difficult because a) Hodkin looks mustard and b) we’re desperate for a striker as Danny Elliott gradually returns to fitness, but we must temper our enthusiasm given Hodkin’s age and the opposition faced so far.

There’s a lot to like about young Jordan though. His best highlight for me in the two games wasn’t his 4 goals, but the audacious effort he attempted on 21 minutes yesterday. New midfield signing Fin Shrimpton fizzed the ball out to the left flank which asked a lot of Hodkin who was second favourite to get there. Jordan showed desire and strength to win his duel with the Cheadle defender, before looking up and trying to chip the keeper from 25 yards only to see the ball land on the roof of the net. It’s probably a good job it didn’t go in, as you never know who’s watching at these type of games, if you catch my drift!

Other first half highlights

We lined up with two trialist centre halves – an area John Rooney is looking to strengthen given we’ll be without Rollin Menayese and Lewis Fensome for the coming season. No.5 played against Hyde last week and he was quietly impressive once more for the duration of his 75 minute appearance against Cheadle. Neat and tidy in mopping up, reads the game well, and a decent leap for a central defender who probably isn’t the tallest.

His name is Mo. And I know that because the encouragingly vocal Christian Dibble in goal didn’t stop yapping all half. No one was spared from officer Dibble, who also screamed ‘Kaysey’ at the Trialist No.11 who may or may not be Josh Kay ;-).

Back to Mo. Muhamed “Mo” Diomande could be a 20-year-old centre back who was born in Italy. After rising through the youth ranks at Wolves, he joined West Brom where he featured regularly for the Baggies’ U21 side last season. Diomande (if it’s him) was spotted training with Hereford earlier this month, but the fact he’s played both of Macclesfield’s pre-season friendlies to date suggests both parties like the look of each other.

Nailing my colours to the mast, I’m all in on Mo’s centre back partner yesterday called ‘Tom’ (blame Dibble). A colossus of a defender who looked very competent in possession as he sprayed a succession of cross-field balls out to Luke Matheson who had galloped forward from right back. As ever, the trialist’s identity will be kept under the wraps but he appears to have everything we need. Tall, dominant, a talker and handy with the ball. This lad looks like he’s had a brilliant upbringing at a stellar EFL club.

In truth, neither ‘Mo’ or ‘Tom’ were unduly tested by Cheadle, but both look promising for different reasons and I’m eager to see them against Leek on Tuesday night, in addition to against Wolves U21’s next weekend assuming we ask them to stick around.

Half-time: Macclesfield 2 Cheadle Town 0

We lined-up in a 4-3-3 as follows:

Dibble: a barker and an organiser. Love his leadership and organisational skills

Matheson: Luke looked sharp and latched onto several arching passes from the trialist no.16 CB

No.5 (Trialist): no fuss, no frills, but calm and collected. Resembles Marc Guehi in stature

No.16 (Trialist): Big lad, proper centre half, impressive long-range passing

McFayden: got forward and lashed a driven effort wide. Not sure about his one-on-one defending

Dawson: hit the bar with a header from a corner, but needs pre-season to get up-to-speed

Osborne: busy shift in the searing heat from Ozzy

Shrimpton: quietly effective. Every he did offensively and defensively added value

Duffy: two assists, looks razor sharp

Trialist no.18: Jordan Hodkin. See above

Trialist no.11: Josh Kay. Fairly quiet, had one effort wide after a cross deflected onto his head

Sloppy second half

Maybe it was the heat, combined with the raft of changes made at half-time, but Cheadle were the better side after the break as we were slack and sloppy in comparison. Luis Lacey’s central free-kick on 47 minutes went fractionally over the bar, but after that the visitor’s were livelier.

Carlos Dos Santos lost out in the middle of the park as Cheadle burst into the box. Their player went down under pressure and the ref waved away the penalty shouts. Cheadle then got in behind after a slick move but Macclesfied’s trialist goalkeeper was quick off his line and made a smart stop with his legs. Then on 65 minutes, Cheadle should have done better when blazing over an effort from a right wing cross which fell kindly to them.

Hit and miss from the other trialist striker

It was a frustrating spell for our other trialist striker no.9 who was returning from last week and is believed to be former Telford player Adan George. Against Hyde, George showed promise due to his speed and movement off the ball in running the channels. However, versus Cheadle he was largely starved of service as the Silkmen were disjointed in the second half.

When the ball did come to George he was either offside or his control / first touch was slightly off. It’s pre-season, it’s to be expected. But when you’re trying to impress and conscious of being eclipsed again by a 19-year-old kid, his frustration was understandable. He snatched at one chance after Dawson (coming on at centre half) played a ball into the edge of the box, Trialist no.19 laid it off but George speared it high over the bar.

Eventually George was rewarded for his perseverance when he grabbed Macc’s fourth goal on 86 minutes, firing into the bottom corner after the ball broke loose on the right hand edge of the box. To his credit it was a tidy finish at a time when he needed it. Hopefully the goal settles him down as we know from watching him against us for Telford that he is bright in the final third and a decent finisher.

Prior to that, the Silkmen made it 3-0 on 84 minutes thanks to yet another goal from a Trialist (no.19) who caught the eye (pictured below, having an uncanny resemblance to James Edmondson but it wasn’t him). He showed an excellent injection of speed to latch onto a loose square ball from the Cheadle defence, got there ahead of the onrushing keeper to jink the ball over his head and then tap into the empty net.

An excellent reward for his enterprising play throughout the half as his movement across the forward line and positive play caught my eye even before he scored. I don’t know if this lad is a member of our emerging talent squad, or a more experienced trialist, but I hope to see more of this talented player.

Full-time: Macclesfield 4 Cheadle Town 0

We lined-up in a 4-3-3 as follows:

Trialist goalkeeper: not the biggest, but did well and made one excellent reactionary stop

Dyer: gradually improved and likes to dribble and take on his man. Promising.

Trialist No.5: the same Trialist no.5 first half. Not quite as smooth in the second.

Heathcote: Sam’s first pre-season minutes. Good to see him back.

Lacey: tenacious and sharp. He’s come back looking in excellent knick

Wilson: neat, tidy, but want a bit more from him based on the two 45-min spells so far

Trialist no.19: bright, positive, bundle of energy, took his goal superbly. More please

Dos Santos: good last week, slacker this week and made poor decisions

Trialist no.23: I think this may have been one of our academy lads (Fin Foote?). Not overly involved

Trialist no.9: as above. Mixed fortunes, but showed good persistence and took his goal well

Chapman: as per Hyde, saw a decent amount of the ball, but not a lot came off for him

Sub: Dawson on for Trialist no.5. Daws sprayed some nice passes when coming on after 75 minutes. He looked more comfortable at centre back after being given the run around on occasion in midfield in the first-half.

Then the friendlies finally arrive and we remember they lack intensity and have the atmosphere of a library with a pitch in the middle. But for the 393 who attended the Silkmen’s opening friendly win over Hyde there was plenty to talk about and enjoy.

· Three goals (all from Macclesfield’s emerging talent squad)

· Six new signings and a clean sheet for keeper Christian Dibble

· Trialists galore

· Josh Kay ‘undercover’

· Retrospective suspensions

Perhaps the 3-0 scoreline flattered Macclesfield against a Hyde team managed by former Silkmen boss, Michael Clegg. The Northern Premier League visitors went close to taking the lead in the first half only to be denied by the legs of Dibble, and struck the bar when 1-0 down before conceding two late goals.

Trialist 23 and the elephant in the room

Watching ‘Trialist no.23’ enter the field was a bit like seeing your best mate turn up at a fancy dress party wearing sunglasses. No one was fooled. No.23 looked suspiciously like Josh Kay. Maybe. Definitely.

So why the cloak of anonymity?

As per football friendly folklore, the true identities of trialists don’t have to be made public until players have officially signed. Understandably at this time of year clubs prefer to conduct their public scouting under a veil of secrecy.

But in Kay’s case there’s an elephant in the room. The former Silkmen loanee’s sending off after the full-time whistle against Chorley in March prompted an FA investigation due to Kay allegedly biting a Chorley player. But worse, the former Oldham midfielder landed himself in hot water for another incident in Macclesfield’s 2-1 win away at Darlington in March.

The full details of Kay’s charges are listed on the FA’s website as below, published on 3 July.

INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT - NON-STANDARD CASE -
Mr Joshua Kay, Macclesfield FC

Macclesfield FC vs Chorley FC
National League - North
07 March 2026

Breach of FA Rule E1.1 - It is alleged that following the conclusion of the fixture you acted contrary to the Laws of the Game by biting an opponent.

Plea: Accept by paper hearing

DECISION:
• 8 Match suspension

The Commission imposed a total suspension of eight (8) matches. However, the Members noted the standard on-field sanction for S2 Violent Conduct, and accordingly deducted three (3) matches from the total suspension. The Participant is therefore suspended with immediate effect from all domestic club football until Macclesfield FC have completed five (5) First Team Competitive Matches (Category 3) in approved competitions.
• £700 Fine

INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT - NON-STANDARD CASE
Mr Joshua Kay, Macclesfield FC

Darlington FC VS Macclesfield FC
National League - North
03 March 2026

Breach of FA Rule E1.1 - It is alleged that in/or around the 18th minute, you acted in an improper manner and/or used violent conduct, contrary to FA Rule E3.1.

Plea: Accept by paper hearing

DECISION:
• 5 Match suspension
• The fine in this charge is reflected in the sanction imposed in the case 69169, with both matters having been considered and determined in their totality.

In plain English

Josh Kay has been handed a five-game ban (reduced from eight) for his transgressions against Chorley and Darlington. The player is suspended until Macclesfield have completed five first-team matches, which effectively takes us until the end of August.

Where the plot lines remain blurred is because Kay is presumably not a Macclesfield FC player currently, otherwise he wouldn’t have been announced as a ‘trialist’. The club may just be allowing Josh to train with us to stay match sharp, who knows?

To add further complications, Kay was withdrawn half an hour into Saturday’s game against Hyde after appearing to sustain an injury, or a ‘niggle’ of some sorts after contesting a ball which resulted in a Macclesfield corner. In frustration, Kay kicked the corner flag and subsequently disappeared down the tunnel after being substituted. Hopefully it was just precautionary for Josh.

Clearly, there’s a talented and hard-working player in Josh Kay who gave us some fine moments on occasion. But sadly there’s also a ticking timebomb in him too. Another ban (this time 5 games) on the back of Kay being sent off three times last season against Marine, Bedford and the aforementioned Chorley. I haven’t done the maths, but through injury and suspension I estimate that Kay was unavailable for around 14 matches last season!

It remains to be seen where Kay will end up next season, but presumably the Silkmen are in pole position if they are prepared to stick with him and vice versa.

A ban for Dawson too?

This is my last moan before we talk about the good stuff from the Hyde friendly! It would appear that captain Paul Dawson will begin the season with a retrospective two-match ban for an incident in Macclesfield’s FA Trophy defeat against Woking way back in January!

INCIDENT OF MISCONDUCT – NON-STANDARD CASE
Mr. Paul Dawson, Player, Macclesfield FC

Macclesfield FC vs Woking FC
FA Challenge Trophy
20 January 2026

Breach of FA Rule E3.1- It is alleged that in/around the tunnel area during half time of the above fixture, you acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words and/or behaviour towards the Match Official.

Plea: Admit/Paper

Decision:
- £200 fine
- 2 match suspension

What isn’t clear (at least to me), is whether Dawson has already served this ban last season. But given the date of the FA’s meeting was 30 June when this charge was handed out, I’m assuming not and that Dawson will miss the opening two games of the 2026-27 campaign.

6 new signings – which new boys caught the eye?

On a more positive note, it was great to see all six new signings catch the eye against Hyde. Here’s a brief summary.

· Christian Dibble (goalkeeper) – a vocal leader who was a presence in goal. He was assertive in communicating to the back four and produced a great save with his legs at 0-0 when the first half trialist centre half was caught out by a ball over the top

· Amar Dyer (right back) – quick, positive and keen to get forward to join the attack

· Lincoln McFayden (left back) – rapid and athletic

· George Wilson (midfield) – grew into the first half, appears to take a decent set piece

· Fin Shrimpton (midfield) – energetic, linked play well

· Jonathan Ustabasi (left wing) – menacing, direct with a blistering turn of pace. Likely to be a big fan’s favourite with his crowd pleasing style. Had the ball in the net just after we took the lead, but was adjudged to have committed a foul and the goal was ruled out

Which trialists impressed?

Four trialists stood out in particular. The striker (wearing no.9) in the first half (pictured below) was quick, ran the channels well and played in Theo Chapman for an excellent opening in the first half which Chapman should have converted.

As ever no.9’s identity wasn’t revealed, but some eagle-eyed observers have suggested he is Adan George, a 23-year-old striker who scored 9 league goals for Telford last season, including in the Bucks’ 3-0 win over Macc in March. George is believed to have a contract offer on the table from Telford, but has opted to explore other opportunities.

Trialist no.9 of the first half was eclipsed by the Trialist wearing no.9 of the second half, who bagged two goals and was a constant threat in the penalty area with decent hold-up play.

His first goal was an excellent hooked finish to give Macclesfield the lead on 54 minutes, where he turned and smacked the ball into the roof of the net. His second saw him show a good striker’s instinct to charge down a clearance from Hyde’s keeper and then tap the ball into the empty net.

Some fans have speculated that trialist number 9 could be Jordan Hodkin, a member of the Silkmen’s emerging talent squad who was on Crewe Alexandra’s books as a youngster. If so, Hodkin had spells at Nantwich and Bamber Bridge last season, and on the evidence of Saturday looks an exciting forward prospect.

Macc’s third goal on the stroke of full-time was a beauty scored by the Trialist wearing the no.7 shirt who curled in from 25 yards. The club’s official social media channels have since revealed the player’s identity to be Sam Elliott, one of the standout players in Macclesfield’s youth academy who spent time on loan at Winsford United last season.

And finally, trialist no.5 who played the second half alongside Paul Dawson at centre half produced an assured display. Perhaps not the tallest central defender, however he read the game well, was calm in possession and appeared two-footed.

It will be interesting to see how many of the trialists on view against Hyde return in Saturday’s friendly against Cheadle Town (also at home).

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While boardroom uncertainty swirls following the (temporary) suspension and reinstatement of Rob Smethurst, plus the arrival of Keith Curle as CEO, manager John Rooney and Sporting Director Jonathan Bull are getting on with it.

Between them (and assistant Francis Jeffers) they are assembling a promotion challenging squad with calm, measured intent, arguably the polar opposite of the previous few weeks surrounding them. Six impressive new signings have arrived through the door thus far, with more to follow:

· George Wilson

· Lincoln McFayden

· Christian Dibble

· Fin Shrimpton

· Ammar Dyer

· Jonathan Ustabasi

Recruitment roulette

12 months ago following Robbie Savage’s departure and taking Tre Pemberton, Neil Kengni, Laurent Mendy and John McMahon with him, the Silkmen’s recruitment strategy represented a summer fire drill. Caught unawares, a frantic scramble ensued to assemble a squad from whatever was left on the shelf as Macclesfield were the proverbial rabbit in the headlights, running the rule over multiple trialists, has-beens and never-weres.

Some signings were a success (Luke Matheson), whilst others tanked (Regan Griffiths, Josef Yarney, Max Woltman). Light on numbers and quality in some areas, John Rooney in his first managerial gig was also light on options. Most desirable transfer targets had chosen new clubs prior to Savage joining Forest Green on 1 July.

It didn’t help that the Silkmen board had allowed Savage to spaff most of the 2025-26 playing budget. A significant fee paid to Curzon Ashton to capture Isaac Buckley-Ricketts before he left further restricted Rooney’s ability to reshape a squad he had unexpectedly inherited.

What a difference a year makes. Whilst work remains in progress with much more to do, the Silkmen’s 2026-27 squad rebuild is being shaped by:

· Retainment of key, existing squad members

· Long-tracked transfer targets

· Proven National League North success with a higher ceiling potential

· Athleticism, stamina and pace

· A defined player-profile identify – younger players with re-sale value

Ticking the boxes

Rooney and Bull’s remit for the coming season spans several areas, but some are more pressing than others.

A new number one goalkeeper was a must following the departure of Max Dearnley and loanee Rogan Ravenhill. Few could have expected Christian Dibble, fresh off his play-off promotion triumph with Kidderminster, to walk through the door – a two-time promotion winner and just named in the National League North Team of the Season.

Macclesfield also needed to strengthen in defence. With the exception of Luke Matheson, neither the versatile Lewis Fensome and Luis Lacey can be considered natural full-backs. Whilst not marquee signings (on paper), both Lincoln McFayden and recent recruit Ammar Dyer do fulfil the brief of modern full-backs – quick, tenacious, attack-minded and comfortable in possession.

Dyer in particular is one to watch. On Port Vale’s books as a youngster, the defender is proficient at both right back (where he mostly featured for Telford last season) and left back. After an eyecatching maiden campaign in the National League North, Dyer had attracted interest from EFL clubs so the Silkmen had to hold their nerve. Patience paid off in the end as Dyer believes his immediate future is best served at Macclesfield.

In midfield, the Silkmen needed to strengthen to replace James Edmondson who has returned to Blackburn Rovers following his second loan stint at the Moss Rose. But beyond that, there is a requirement to reduce the overreliance on goals from captain Paul Dawson and add more defensive solidity, ‘legs’ and energy. George Wilson, signed from promotion-winning Fylde, should offer technical ability in the middle of the park combined with a defensive mindset.

Wilson should be complimented by the tenacity, versatility and goal threat of Fin Shrimpton, who joins the Silkmen on the back of being named Chester’s Players’ Player of the Season after registering 9 goals in 39 league appearances.

Striking solutions

Macc’s recruitment has been excellent so far, however there are understandable concerns amongst supporters that we are threadbare in attack.

Star striker Danny Elliott, injured since Boxing Day against Buxton, is expected to gradually ease his way back to training during the course of pre-season. But realistically, Elliott is not anticipated to return to first-team action until September at the earliest. The loss of Elliott and subsequent exit of D’Mani Mellor to Forest Green in February at a time when he and the Silkmen were flying was a pivotal blow to our promotion hopes.

James Gale did his best to plug the gap, but was neither a target man, mobile option or threat in-behind upfront. It will be interesting to see how successful Gale is having signed for promotion-chasing National League Scunthorpe United today.

Isaac Buckley-Ricketts has also left for pastures new having joined Morecambe last week. But in Jonathan Ustabasi, Macclesfield have recruited a flagship replacement. More potent, more reliable and more proven at NLN / National League level than Buckley-Ricketts has ever shown thus far in his career.

Surprisingly allowed to leave Fylde, even at 32 Ustabasi is a flying winger who has been terrorising National League defenders for years with the Coasters and Chorley prior to that. Last season, Ustabasi recorded 16 goals and five assists for Fylde before his season was cut short in March by injury.

Now fit and raring to go, ‘Bashi’ was Rooney’s number one forward target. And it’s little wonder given Ustabasi has plundered 14 goals and 12 assists in 76 National League appearances for Fylde. The winger, who can play on either flank and through the middle, has also bagged 34 goals in 107 games at NLN level and should add a direct and skilful threat to Macclesfield’s forward line.

Ustabasi was one of three main forward targets on Rooney’s shopping list who will be known to Silkmen fans due to their strong NLN pedigree. Another wide player and a more conventional number 9 striker are hoped to be added to the squad soon. Two players who were not on Rooney’s list, contrary to belief or supporter championing, were Kyle Hawley (signed for Radcliffe) and Dylan Mottley-Henry (ex-Chester, signed by newly promoted Hednesford).

Patience is a virtue

While adding to forward options is a priority for most Silkmen supporters, there is a view that Rooney must also strengthen Macclesfield’s central defence despite retaining Sam Heathcote, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Lewis Fensome.

Efforts to sign a towering centre back are being explored, but fans and the club’s recruitment team alike will need to be patient. It’s a hugely competitive market to secure the services of a dominant central defensive leader who is equally competent on the deck.

The Silkmen did make enquiries for Southport captain Tom Moore, a former teammate of Heathcote at Runcorn Linnets. However, Moore attracted interest from both National League and EFL sides, eventually choosing to progress to full-time football with Accrington Stanley penning a two-year deal. If nothing else, the interest in Moore highlights the calibre of players the Silkmen are chasing.

Rooney, Bull and the wider recruitment team have a clear plan to create a sustainable squad with identity, cohesion and longevity, with the intention of avoiding the club’s boom-and-bust approach to transfers. The recent departure of Head of Recruitment Jimmy Holmes after his second spell at Macclesfield is not expected to impact those ambitions.

Holmes had been a peripheral figure in the Silkmen’s latest signings, nor could he be credited for overseeing his former club South Shields’ squad makeover which took them to the brink of promotion last season. According to Shields fans, manager Ian Watson (who has since taken over at Rochdale) was largely responsible for their team’s upturn in performance and didn’t have a close relationship with Holmes, which eventually paved the way for his return to Macclesfield.

Trust the process, even if the ground beneath it shifts

Macclesfield’s recruitment department isn’t simply fixated on building a team to challenge at the top of the National League North, they are building one that can grow and compete in the National League if they are successful.

Whilst supporters understandably become concerned and frustrated at a perceived lack of activity behind the scenes, the club’s recent signings suggest a more measured, profile-driven and sustainable approach to transfers is being undertaken by Rooney and Bull, rather than adopting a scattergun approach that the Silkmen’s rivals Morecambe and Chester appear to be taking. It remains to be seen whether this will result in a winning strategy, but there is clear logic behind it.

Of course, there is the lingering fear that boardroom turbulence could derail Macclesfield’s promotion ambitions, the irony being that the recruitment department currently appears the calmest influence of the entire club. And there’s also the future of John Rooney to ponder. Rooney’s growing reputation and clarity of vision mean EFL clubs will continue to take notice whenever managerial vacancies appear.

That’s the tightrope Macclesfield must walk: A purposeful rebuild on the pitch, built for promotion… balanced against potential instability off it, and the risk of losing the architects who designed it.

If the football side can stay insulated from the noise, and equally if the club can hold its nerve and keep faith in the identity Rooney, Jeffers and Bull are establishing, then this squad has every chance of turning a chaotic period into a season of success. Those might be big Ifs, but it’s going to be fascinating to see how things play out.