Match Report: Macclesfield 1-0 South Shields

South Shields recorded their first defeat of the Enterprise National League North campaign against Macclesfield on Saturday.

Danny Elliott’s finish on the stroke of half-time separated the two teams and despite a valiant push to grab an equaliser thereafter, it wasn’t to be for the Mariners.

Results elsewhere mean Shields remain top of the table on goal difference with a game in hand over AFC Fylde.

Ian Watson’s side began the game well, though momentum shifted in the hosts’ favour as the first-half progressed, which ultimately resulted in Macclesfield’s 45th minute goal.

It took 11 minutes for the first chance of note to be created - Paul Blackett aimed a pass along the edge of the box for a simple tap-in, but Max Dearnley was there to prevent any danger.

Robbie Tinkler and Caden Kelly followed that effort up with some long-distance strikes, though neither truly threatened the Macclesfield shot-stopper.

In the 27th minute, Will Jenkins had the ball near the six yard box, similarly to that of Blackett earlier, and Dearnley made another stop to deny a potential opener.

Just a few minutes later, Elliott provided the hosts with their first opportunity of the game when he struck from range, which forced Jasper Sheik into a diving save at his near post.

They grew more into the game from that point on, and despite an unfruitful 15 minute spell, Macclesfield got their lead.

There was chaos in the box after Josh Kay’s shot had been blocked off the line - Elliott was on hand to make the most of the danger and send the home fans ecstatic.

After the break, Shields dominated control in the hope of finding an equaliser, though they had to withstand some mild pressure at times from the leading hosts.

A surging counter-attack just a few minutes into the second-half saw Sheik called into action.

Soon after, Dan Ward threaded a lovely ball, which had taken a deflection, and found Blackett, whose turn-and-shoot combination almost hit the back of the net.

Dearnley’s excellent block denied what would have been a tremendous finish.

James Edmondson, in the 76th minute, sent Macclesfield through on goal but Sheik caught his effort with ease.

Ward was booked a minute later for perceived simulation in the box.

Finally, Todd Alcock aimed at the top-corner in the 93rd minute - Dearnley pulled off an unbelievable stop to preserve the Silkmen's lead.

The lads have a week to rest before the Emirates FA Cup showdown against Sky Bet League Two side Shrewsbury Town on Sunday, November 2nd (12pm kick-off).

Macclesfield: Dearnley, Fensome, Menayese, Mellor, Elliott, Heathcote, Lacey (Duffy 78’), Johnson (Buckley-Ricketts 59’), Whitehead, Kay (Lee 67’), Edmondson.

Unused substitutes: Callister, Griffiths, Dos Santos, Woltman.

Goals: Elliott (45’).

South Shields: Sheik, Tinkler, Bainbridge, McGurk (Alcock 66’), Blackett, Jenkins, Ward (Dodds 78’), Mann, Kelly, Woolston, Carson.

Unused substitutes: Sykes, Morse, McGowan, Savage.

Attendance: 3,105 (137 away fans).

Image credit: Kev Wilson (@KevWilson19).