Striker Clare at the double in Macc finale
NORTH WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE PREMIER DIV MACCLESFIELD .............. 4 AFC LIVERPOOL ............. 2
AN incredible season for Macclesfield came to an end on Saturday in a contest decided by a brace from Tom Clare, a first Silkmen goal for Mark Duffy, and an own goal.
The result marked Macc’s 29th victory of the season, finishing the campaign on an impressive 94 points.
Danny Whitaker made two changes to the team that started in the 3-1 away win versus Congleton, with Alex Kiwomya replacing Harry Freedman as well as Neil Danns returning from international duty to replace 16-year-old Callum West.
There were very few chances of note in the opening phases with Macc seeing a lot of the ball however lacked to pose any real threat.
Around the 20-minute mark captain Laurant Mendy intercepted a pass across the Liverpool back line, however his shot was blocked and Danns’ follow-up fell high and wide.
Danns was soon in again after a sharp turn gave him the opportunity to get a shot off inside the visitors’ area, however his attempt was sliced and cushioned the side netting.
Chances kept on coming for Macc, including openings arising for Berry, Clare and Fensome sequentially, but none of which causing any real danger.
Liverpool were then able to carve out their first sight at goal, however captain Callum Schorah was denied by a smart save from Ashton.
A fingertip save from Jack McGovern was able to deny Fensome and this was soon followed up by a promising strike from Kiwomya but the game remained level as Macc continued to fail to find the back of the net.
This soon changed, however, as a low-driven cross from Lee Jackson caused confusion in the Liverpool defence and the final touch went down as an own-goal.
Macc were quick to double the lead as a handball inside the area handed the hosts a penalty on the stroke of halftime. Tom Clare stepped up and sent it high into the back of the net to leave
McGovern little chance of keeping it out.
A fairly even start to the second-half saw a chance for a Macc coming from Berry, and Anthony Lyons providing danger for Liverpool.
A double Silkmen change then saw Kiwomya and Jackson being replaced by Freedman and West respectively.
Max Fisher then picked up possession inside the area and a sweet leftfooted strike across the face of goal got the better of Ashton and the visitors halved the deficit.
It then continued to be end-to-end following the goal, with Fisher looking for another in quick succession and Freedman looking to restore Macc’s 2 goal lead.
The visitors then continued their search for an equaliser, however what looked to be a promising counter attack, came to nothing.
Shortly after however, some superb link-up play between Danns and Berry allowed Clare to stroke the ball through the legs of McGovern to register the 22-year-old’s 22nd goal of the season.
It was two goals in quick succession yet again as an effort from distance from Mark Duffy slipped through the hands of McGovern and found its way into the back of the net.
Danns then seeked a fifth, however his powerful effort blazed over the bar.
It was Liverpool who struck next though. Skipper Callum Schorah was on the receiving end of a cut-back ball, meaning he was able to slot in a second for the away side.
Neil Danns then received a standing ovation as being replaced by Andy Owens.
Chances then came and went, none of which affected the scoreline as the referee signalled for full-time and the trophy ceremony began.
Macc’s league season may be over however they still compete in the Macron Cup as they look for the league and cup double.
Their next game will see them welcome Brocton to the Leasing.com Stadium on Tuesday 12th April.