In an exciting match at the Leasing.com Stadium, Macclesfield Town claimed a 2-1 victory over Radcliffe. This win marked a strong beginning for the Silkmen in 2026, highlighting the team’s resilience after a challenging festive period.
Key Events from the Match
Macclesfield made tactical changes before the match, replacing Lewis Fensome, Justin Johnson, and Danny Whitehead with Luke Matheson, Luke Duffy, and Carlos Dos Santos. The team quickly settled into the game despite an initial surge from the visitors.
First Half Highlights
- Early Attempts: Paul Dawson nearly opened the scoring, sending a deflected shot just wide of the post within five minutes.
- Opening Goal: Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored first for Macclesfield after a deflected shot set him up for a smart finish from a tight angle.
- Second Goal: Paul Dawson scored just three minutes later, hitting a stunning shot into the top corner on his birthday.
- Radcliffe’s Response: Max Dearnley made a crucial save to deny a penalty from Dan Gardener, preserving the two-goal lead.
The first half ended with Macclesfield maintaining a two-goal advantage. The home side controlled the match, showcasing their attacking prowess and solid defense.
Second Half Overview
Radcliffe attempted a comeback after halftime, but the Silkmen’s defense held strong. Luke Duffy and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts both came close to extending Macclesfield’s lead, but the finishing remained elusive.
- Substitutions: Cameron Borthwick-Jackson made his debut for the Silkmen, replacing Luis Lacey, while Danny Whitehead was brought on for Carlos Dos Santos.
- Late Scares: A dangerous moment occurred when a header from Sam Heathcote nearly caught the goalkeeper off guard, but the threat was cleared.
Despite a late goal from Radcliffe’s Tyler James, the match concluded with Macclesfield securing important three points.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Macclesfield Town not only uplifted their spirits but also prepared for their next challenge—a historic Emirates FA Cup Third Round match against holders Crystal Palace at the same stadium. The attendance of 2,578 showcased strong support for the Silkmen.
Man of the Match honors went to Paul Dawson for his influential performance, including a goal that helped set the tone for the victory.
