Gainsborough preview / FC United recap
The key talking points pre and post the Silkmen's latest league games
Gainsborough preview / FC United recap
Macclesfield FC are aiming to extend their lead at the top of the Northern Premier League with an away trip to Gainsborough Trinity tomorrow. Robbie Savage’s squad returned to winning ways with a hard-fought victory over FC United of Manchester last weekend, restoring their 16-point advantage over second-placed Guiseley in the promotion race, albeit with two games in hand.
The Silkmen face a Gainsborough side who are languishing 14 places and 38 points adrift of them in the table. However, at face value these statistics are misleading in a game which represents a genuine banana skin for Macc.
With the league-leaders in town, Gainsborough will view this fixture as a stereotypical ‘cup tie’ which could be ominous for Savage’s men. The ‘Holy Blues’ have been in scintillating form in knockout competitions this season. They have reached round five of the FA Trophy by recently upsetting National League promotion chasers York City 1-0, as well as National League North outfits Kettering (2-0), Rushall Olympic (2-1) and Chester (1-0) en route to the last 16 of the competition.
In addition, Gainsborough advanced to the second round of the FA Cup before losing to League Two Harrogate Town, but not before they came back from 3-0 down to eventually defeat Hednesford in a penalty shootout in the first round proper – a tie they secured by once again shocking National League North teams – this time Darlington (2-1) and Boston United (4-0 in a replay) in the qualifying rounds along the way.
The Holy Blues will be ‘well up for it’ as they say against the Silkmen and with good reason. Since losing 2-0 to Macclesfield in the reverse league fixture in September, Gainsborough’s league and cup record reads:
Played 20
Won 12, drawn 4, lost 4
Goals scored: 36, goals conceded 22
Although currently sitting in 15th place in the NPL, Gainsborough’s cup successes have restricted them to only 21 league games in comparison to Macc’s 27. IF Trinity can win their games in hand they would catapult themselves into play-off contention after finishing eighth in the league last season.
Howe to beat Gainsborough?
Since being handed the managerial reins in September 2023, Russ Wilcox has built a competitive and settled squad, spearheaded by star striker Declan Howe and sprinkled with former youth players from nearby Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday. The pacy marksman, signed from Ilkeston, claimed the Northern Premier League’s golden boot with 25 goals in the last campaign and he has already bagged 23 goals so far this season (9 in the league). Such is Howe’s importance to the team, he has scored almost half of Gainsborough’s 51 goals so far in this campaign.
Ironically, Gainsborough have the third worst goals tally in the league to date but have the third best defensive record, albeit from 21 games as previously highlighted. Stop Howe, stop Gainsborough? It won’t be as simple as that. Wide player Lewis Butroid has seven goals and midfielders Will Lancaster and Fraser Preston offer attacking threats, having netted six and four goals respectively.
The Holy Blues have also added to their striking options today following the loan capture of forward Sam Fishburn from Scunthorpe. The 21 year-old is no stranger to the NPL, having previously scored 14 goals in previous temporary stints at Lancaster and Morpeth.
Silkmen facing defensive reshuffle
The Silkmen will have to cope without the vital duo of Tre Pemberton and captain Paul Dawson, both through suspension having accumulated ten bookings. Since being sent off against Altrincham in the FA Trophy, Dawson will have been unavailable for five out of Macc’s last nine fixtures. Let’s hope our super skipper can avoid any further disciplinary skirmishes for the run-in. He will eligible for Macc’s next game against Basford on 25 January, while Tre will start his two-game ban tomorrow and be next available for our away fixture at Hebburn on 1 February.
On a positive note, Robbie Savage has strengthened Macc’s defensive options with the signing of experienced EFL centre back, Rollin Menayese, earlier. You can read the views from supporters of Menayese’s previous clubs here. In summary, he sounds a quality addition to the Silkmen’s rearguard at a time when they have only kept one clean sheet in their last six games – the 2-0 win against FC United last Saturday. During that time, Macc have looked vulnerable to set plays and have also conceded two penalties.
But for all the chatter of Macc’s ‘wobble’ in form which has seen them lose three of their last ten league games against Mickelover, Leek and Ashton United, they have still accumulated 19 points from a possible 30 (six wins and a draw), which is just shy of the recommended average of two points per game typically needed to secure promotion. And crucially, two of those victories came against fellow promotion contenders Worksop and Hyde.
While second placed Guiseley try and cling on to Macc’s coat tails following an impressive 14-match unbeaten streak, even if they win their two games in hand they will be 10 points behind the Silkmen with 15 games to play. As Savage will stress once more that nothing is won in January, it would still take a huge collapse if promotion to the National League North was squandered from here.
But Macclesfield’s Head Coach is leaving nothing to chance – highlighted by the signing of Menayese who is expected to make his debut at centre back alongside stand-in captain Laurent Mendy. Lewis Fensome, who has performed admirably of late, seems likely to fill the right back berth in Tre Pemberton’s absence with Brandon Lee the favourite to get the nod at left-back after a fine performance against FC United.
Perhaps the only surprise is that Savage has resisted the temptation to draft in a midfielder to replace James Edmondson who has returned to parent club Blackburn Rovers following his excellent loan spell at the Leasing.com stadium. John Rooney and Luke Duffy are set to continue their promising midfield partnership in the centre of the park in what could be a 4-2-3-1 formation if Savage elects to go man-for-man against Galnsborough who typically line-up 4-2-3-1 themselves, or 4-4-2.
Trying to predict who gets the nod out wide is harder with Savage enjoying an embarrassment of options with Justin Johnson, Sean Etaluku, Neil Kengni and the fit-again Dontai Gabbidon all vying for contention.
Up top, D’Mani Mellor and Danny Elliott should start. As many Silkmen fans will remember, it was Elliott’s confidence boosting penalty against Gainsborough which proved the catalyst for the striker going on a formidable goalscoring run. Danny is currently sitting on 25 goals after he previously went nine games without a goal prior to his converting his spot-kick against the Holy Blues.
Last time out: Macclesfield FC 2 FC United of Manchester 0
A goal in each half from star forward duo D’Mani Mellor and Danny Elliott gave the Silkmen a vital three points against a spirited FC side who caused plenty of problems for the home side who were not at their marauding best for long periods. The game went ahead following the phenomenal efforts of Silkmen supporters who helped to clear the snow-covered pitch in sub-zero temperatures in one of only two Northern Premier League fixtures that survived the weather.
Match stats:
Shots on target: Macc 6, FC United 6
Shots off target: Macc 6, FC United 7
Corners: Macc 4, FC United 4
Player ratings:
Dearnley 8 – recorded his 14th clean sheet of the season. Secure handling throughout and made a vital save with his legs to prevent an FC equalizer when the away side were presented with a great opportunity on the half hour mark.
Pemberton 8.5 – up against a dangerous winger in FC’s Fitzpatrick in what was an excellent battle all afternoon. It was a battle which Pemberton just about shaded, thanks to his persistent tackling, impressive pace and positional awareness. Was also involved in the build-up to Macc’s opener when his shot was blocked and the rebound fell to Mellor who duly converted.
Fensome 8 – typical blood and thunder performance reminiscent of his stellar recent form. Has started Macc’s last four fixtures and is playing as well as anyone at the back. Almost scored an unlikely goal with a diving, glancing header in the second half.
Mendy 8 – Wore the captain’s armband with distinction and has stepped up his defensive responsibilities in Dawson’s absence of late. Faultless at the back and tried to set up attacks with his tireless forays forward as always
Lee 8.5 – Excellent and looked back to his best after long stints on the sidelines over the last year. Dogged defending, linked up well going forward and a bundle of energy up-and-down the pitch all afternoon
Rooney 7 – Great to have back from illness but not at his best today. Some trademark Hollywood passes were interspersed with some slack play, which led to him being dispossessed in a dangerous area and almost saw FC equalize but for a wonderful save from Dearnley. Set plays also disappointing by his own high standards.
Duffy 7.5 – Revelling in his new central midfield role alongside Rooney. Lots of promising touches and several attempts on goal, without being able to make a pivotal breakthrough. Was alert in the build-up to Macc’s vital second goal, pouncing on some uncertain defensive play to create the opportunity for Elliott to score
Johnson 6.5 – Hobbled off after 24 minutes to what is hoped was a precautionary substitution after he was caught by an FC player in a tackle. Involved in the initial build-up to Mellor’s goal. Replaced by Kengni.
Mellor 7.5 – Another goal, his 14th of a superb season, where he was sharp to capitalise on the rebound from Pemerton to put Macc in front. Typical lively display, tireless pressing and energy upfront, but was guilty of sloppily turning over possession on occasions.
Etaluku 6.5 – Mixed bag. Scintillating pace which saw him ghost past defenders only to pick out a poor cross. Barely involved in the second half and understandably withdrawn on 65 minutes. Some promise for sure, but not quite clicking for him in a Macclesfield shirt just yet. Does seem more effective on the left than the right though.
Elliott 7.5 – Fairly quiet overall, but did produce an outstanding finish to make it 2-0 on his unfavoured right foot, showing a great turn and clinical shot into the bottom corner to give Connor O’Keefe in the FC goal no chance. 25 goals now this season – who is to say he can’t get 40 before the season is over?
Subs:
Kengni 7.5 – On for Justin Johnson and made a notable difference with his tenacity and Duracell runs down the wing. Has typically found himself on the left flank this season, but was particularly effective on the right wing against FC. Wherever you play him, he always delivers.
Whitehead 7 – Replaced Etaluku with 20 minutes to go. Effective and steady contribution – pushing hard for a start in central midfield but offers excellent experience off the bench.
Heathcote no rating – Came on for Duffy on 82 minutes and made a vital, sprawling block to prevent an FC shot from point blank range which had goal written all over it. Brave defending from the big man.
Curran no rating – Entered the pitch on 85 minutes for Brandon Lee and helped Macc to wind down the clock.