Champions elect - Rylands 1 Macc 3: report & misconceptions

I don’t care where the fat lady is, or whether your champagne is on ice, in the fridge or you haven’t bought any yet. The sweet taste of success is almost upon us!

After Macc’s statement 3-1 victory over Warrington Rylands at the weekend, even the mathematicians with their, “it isn’t over until it’s over”, narrative are quaking in their calculators.

22 points sensationally clear, albeit with nearest challengers Guiseley and Ashton having one game and two games respectively in hand, suggests the Silkmen are as good as champions of the Northern Premier League (NPL). To make certain, Robbie Savage’s men need a maximum of 15 points from their remaining ten matches to guarantee promotion to the National League North, as we stand.

Based on their current points-per-game (PPG) trajectories, Guiseley could land on 77 points and Ashton on 79 – equal to Macclesfield’s present tally now! However, I’m going to stick with my original prediction from December and reiterate that between 85 and 89 points should see the Silkmen over the line.

The harder task is trying to determine when, not if, Macc will officially be crowned league champions. Relegation-doomed Blyth Spartans away on 29^th March could well be THE day, but we shall see…

Passing the acid test with flying colours

If ever the Silkmen were going to falter during the promotion run-in, the away trip to Warrington Rylands appeared the most likely destination. With five wins from six coming into Saturday’s fixture, the home side were the form team in the division and hovering outside the play-offs in seventh place.

Managed by Neil Reynolds, who Robbie Savage lavished praise on in the build-up (I’ll return to that another time), it’s easy to see why Rylands have catapulted themselves up the table in recent weeks. Aggressive with a tenacious, attacking style, they gave Macc all they could handle during a turbulent first half hour and deservedly went in front after 11 minutes.

A pinpoint cross from Ben Hardcastle in-between Lewis Fensome and Tre Pemberton found uncompromising striker George Waring who cooly headed home from six-yards out. 1-0. It had been coming as Rylands were a constant threat out wide and got men quickly forward in numbers. Prior to taking the lead, Macc had Max Dearnley to thank for smothering a Rylands effort from close range after they broke free into the penalty area. Fortunately, the rebound was blazed over as Macc rode their luck early on.

The Silkmen kept their cool in the pressure cooker and responded like true champions do, levelling just two minutes later before gradually taking command. Luke Duffy magnificently wriggled his way past two defenders and was tripped in the area as he advanced on goal. Up stepped Danny Elliott to calmly despatch the penalty into the bottom corner, past the keeper’s despairing dive who had guessed the right way. 1-1.

The action continued at 100 mph in what was a great advert for the NPL. But slowly, but surely, the Silkmen started to turn the screw and underline their superiority. D’Mani Mellor was at the heart of the visitor’s attacking impetus. He drove forward from the middle of the park and hit a well-struck effort that was palmed away by Rylands’ keeper Luke Pilling.

Then Mellor released Elliott with a lovely ball in the inside left channel. Elliott bared down on goal and elected to shoot instead of squaring it to Sean Etaluku who had taken up an unmarked position in the box. Elliott’s shot was partially saved, the rebound evaded Etaluku and came to Pemberton steaming in from right back whose half volley cleared the bar.

But for a header from a corner that was cleared off the line by John Rooney, Warrington rarely threatened as Macc eventually outfought and outthought their plucky opponents.

The Silkmen appeared to be getting on top as we approached half-time. However, Robbie Savage’s tactical re-think to move from a back four to 3-4-1-2 was undoubtedly pivotal in us taking charge in the second half. The gaffer’s decision to play on the front foot with wingbacks immediately paid dividends as Tre Pemberton got on the end of a teasing cross from Luke Duffy to make it 2-1 after 48 minutes.

Macc didn’t look back from there and rubberstamped their dominance with a fine goal from D’Mani Mellor after 68 minutes following a flowing move involving Danny Elliott and John Rooney. 3-1. What a win. What a team. What a club.

Player ratings

Dearnley 7 – off his line quickly to smother a Rylands attempt early on when the attacker broke free on goal. Was helpless on the goal when Waring got in-between Fensome and Pemberton to head home from close range. Not sure why he was wearing a blue goalkeeping jersey, shorts and socks against a Warrington team playing in sky blue, but fortunately no harm done!

Pemberton 8 – up against a quick and determined winger in Jake Daniels and did well to largely contain him. Tre almost scored in the first half when trying to steer in Elliott’s partially saved effort, but the ball ricocheted to him quickly and he couldn’t keep his shot down. Suited the wingback role perfectly in the second half, and it was his willingness to push forward with a perfectly timed run into the box which saw him rewarded with Macc’s crucial second goal. It may have been a tap in, but only because Pemberton anticipated the opportunity and busted a gut to get there.

Fensome 8 – given a tough examination defensively and emerged with aplomb. As per the rest of the team, Lewis started off a little shakily with some rushed clearances but soon settled into his groove. It was Fensome’s pressure which probably did just enough to put the Ryland’s attacker off when he got through on goal which Dearnley saved prior to the home side going ahead. Was strong in the air and on the deck as Rylands took every opportunity to get the ball into the box, particularly during an intense first period. Had a decent volleyed attempt in the second half from a corner which went over.

Meyanese 7.5 – nothing flash, nothing fancy, but a reassuring presence at the back throughout. Did well to intercept a pass to thwart a Rylands attack and feed Danny Elliott which was the catalyst for the Silkmen’s third goal. Got on the end of another set-piece but his header from Rooney’s free-kick cleared the crossbar. Rollin’s mark would have been higher but for him getting involved in an off-the-ball incident with burley forward Waring in the first half.

The pair engaged in some shoving, Meyanese appeared to have a nibble at the striker’s heel from behind and then the pair disappeared from my line of sight as Rylands attacked down the left flank. Waring subsequently lay stricken on the pitch, and following a delay whilst he received treatment the referee decided to take no action. Neither player was booked and the post-match video footage was inconclusive, despite a Rylands Mixlr commentator claiming Waring was ‘headbutted’. Only Meyanese and Waring really know what happened.

Kengni 6 – it’s a real tussle between Neil Kengni and Brandon Lee for the number 3 shirt, but neither strengthened their credentials to be the undisputed custodian of it against Rylands. Like the rest of the defence, Kengni had to dig in during the first half and so his attacking forays were few and far between. But on a rare occasion when he did venture forward he overran the ball, which inadvertently set Rylands on the attack which led to their goal. Substituted for Lee after 55 minutes.

Mendy 8 – emerged on top from an intense midfield battle where Rylands’ players were constantly snapping away at Macc in the middle of the park. Mendy never looked unruffled though, and was key to the Silkmen gradually inserting control and taking over after half-time. In one particular skirmish, Mendy held off three challenges and still came away with the ball. It was this combination of defiance and skill which was influential in us dictating possession in the second half.

Rooney 8 – was given a stern examination by Rylands in the first half. Harried into conceding possession which led to a big chance for the host’s early on, and stood off Ben Hardcastle which allowed the Rylands midfielder to pick out Waring for the opening goal. However, Rooney did redeem himself by clearing off the line when Rylands almost regained the lead from a corner.

Eventually, Rooney rose to prominence as Macc got on the ball more. Had a decent free-kick effort saved prior to half-time and almost picked out D’Mani Mellor with a long, lofted ball after the restart. But the Silkmen’s conductor wasn’t going to be denied as Rooney played a delicious ball for the assist for Mellor’s goal and Macclesfield’s third, which effectively killed the game.

Etaluku 6 – replaced at half-time for the second consecutive away game, but unlike when Etaluku struggled against Hebburn I thought he gave a decent account of himself at Rylands. Pressed well and didn’t hide during the home side’s early onslaught. And could have given Macc the lead had Danny Elliott squared the ball to him in the box instead of going solo. I liked Sean’s passion in the aftermath as he certainly let Elliott know of his frustrations! Was substituted for Paul Dawson as Robbie Savage switched from a back four to 3-4-1-2 with Tre Pemberton occupying right wingback.

Mellor 9 – put in an outstanding, selfless shift when Macc needed to stand up and be counted against fierce opposition to earn the right to play. Mellor was instrumental in the Silkmen gradually exerting their authority on the game. Worked hard, put tackles in and showed his quality on and off the ball. Picked out Elliott in the first half with a defence splitting ball which saw Danny’s effort saved.

Mellor’s shot for the crucial third goal may have taken a slight deflection off an outstretched boot of a Rylands defender en route to the net, but D’Mani still had a fair bit to do when receiving Rooney’s pass. His pace and energy were a constant threat for the Silkmen. 17 goals for the season now, and could have made it 18 late on but his effort was pushed away by the Rylands keeper after Mellor initially delayed his shot.

Duffy 9 – two huge assists at vital periods of the game. Led two Rylands players a merry dance to win the penalty from which Elliott converted just two minutes after Macc fell behind. Then displayed brilliant control to take the ball down with his right foot from Meyanese’s throw-in, turn and deliver an inch perfect cross with his left which saw Pemberton tap in to give the Silkmen the lead. Whether it’s been match-winning goals or assists, Duffy has been a big player at big moments for Macc this season and once again delivered when it mattered.

Elliott 8.5 – converted a precise penalty for the equaliser – hard, low and accurate into the bottom corner of the goal – his 29^th of a prolific season. But today Danny’s workrate notably saw him press the Rylands defenders in possession which made it easier for Macc’s midfield to get a foothold in the game. Rooney will get the plaudits for his wonderful assist for Mellor’s goal, but it was Elliott’s speed of thought and classy flick with the outside of his boot under pressure which kept the attack alive. Elliott’s only black mark was that he should have passed to Etaluku for a golden opportunity in the first half, but given Danny’s goalscoring exploits this season who could blame him for electing to pull the trigger himself?

Substitutes:

Dawson 7.5 - on for Etaluku at half-time and played at centre half as Savage switched to a back three. Was a disciplined and effective influence in defence, clearing his lines when required to do so and playing some crisp passes forward to get Macc in the ascendency.

Lee 7 – introduced for Kengni after 55 minutes and played left wingback. Provided some added steel and energy which was welcome in a competitive game, but was somewhat rash on occasions. Needlessly dived in and failed to get the ball against veteran winger Kiwomya when Rylands were in a dangerous position. And can count himself fortunate not to have been booked following another full-blooded challenge.

De Girolamo 6 – replaced Duffy on 72 minutes and partnered Elliott in attack, and latterly Heathcote after he entered the fray for Elliott himself. Didn’t really get a sniff as Macc comfortably saw out the game with a 3-1 cushion.

Heathcote no rating – replaced Elliott after 82 minutes as a makeshift striker.

Two misconceptions about Macclesfield FC

Misconception 1 – Macc are soft and don’t like it up them

Maybe the Macc of old would have folded under pressure given how Rylands stormed out of the traps. But Savage’s men are made of much sterner stuff and can keep their heads and respond when encountering adversity,

Did you know?

• Macc have gone behind 10 times in the league this season vs Guiseley, Hyde, Lancaster, Mickelover, Prescot, Leek, Worksop, Ashton, Hebburn and Warrington Rylands

• From losing positions they have accumulated 15 points – 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats

• Macc have the best away record in the NPL, having so far accumulated 36 points on their travels (11 wins, 3 draws and 2 defeats). With 5 away games to go, this is already better than last season when the Silkmen’s away form tallied 11 wins, 2 draws and 7 defeats

Misconception 2 – Three at the back ‘doesn’t work’

Savage’s fondness for playing three central defenders with wingbacks divides opinion, with many believing the team’s tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation is more effective. The manner of Macc’s 3-1 win over Rylands challenges that view after Savage switched from a back four to a back three at half-time. This coincided with the league leaders dominating the second half and scoring twice.

I can think of numerous occasions when the Silkmen have started in a 3-4-1-2 line-up and gone to 4-2-3-1, but seldom the other way around, so Saturday’s victory was significant in that regard. Still not convinced by three at the back? @SilkmenStats posting on X above published some interesting comparisons between the two formations earlier this month, suggesting that three at the back may be our most successful formation!

Whilst interesting, the stats above only refer to starting formations and don’t highlight how many times Macclesfield have abandoned a back three in favour of switching to 4-2-3-1 and gained more points as a result. However, they certainly blow the theory that three-at-the-back ‘doesn’t work’ and Saturday’s win further underlines that.

Quite often, results are not down to the formations teams play but the personnel they pick to play them. The capture of Rollin Meyanese provides Macc with greater versatility and strength in central defence. This allows our full-backs to push on, instead of Savage requiring our wingers to play as wingbacks where they are less competent at defending and tracking back. We look sturdier as a result, even if the team’s clean sheet column doesn’t reflect this.