It was back to League Two action with a bump for Macclesfield today as Paul Ince's men went down 1-0 to Barnet at a very cold Underhill.
Last week's trip to Chelsea will live long in the memory of all Silkmen which is more than can be said for today's less glamorous trip back to the capital.
Like Macc, Barnet have also enjoyed a very successful FA Cup run this season.Their midweek win over Championship side Colchester saw Paul Fairclough's side rewrite the record books as they reached the 4th round for the first time in the club's history.
Unsurprisingly, Fairclough named an unchanged side from the midweek win; midfielder Nicky Bailey was sure to be a marked man as he had scored in each of the last three meetings between the teams.Veterans Andy Hessenthaler & Paul Warhurst had to settle for places on the bench.
The Guv'nor made five changes to the team that faced Chelsea last Saturday, three of which were enforced through suspension.Tommy Lee, Alan Navarro & Matt McNeil all served one-match bans and were replaced by David Rouse, Jamie Tolley & Matt Tipton - goalkeeping coach Rouse unexpectedly getting the nod over loan signing Adam Legzdins.The remaining two changes saw Danny Swailes & Jordan Hadfield drop to the bench with James Jennings & Adam Murray coming in - Murray making his debut following his recent arrival from Torquay United.
Barnet's Underhill ground is extremely old fashioned and it's no surprise to hear that they are hoping to move to a newer stadium at some point in the near future.Thankfully the 152 travelling Macclesfield fans were located in a covered terrace, which is more than can be said for the home fans behind either goal who were exposed to the chilling wind & lashing rain.
The pitch itself lies on a huge slope, much like you'd expect to see in local park football!Macclesfield played the first half uphill, and then faced an uphill task in the second as they attempted to claw back the deficit.
The first half started fairly slowly as both teams struggled to find any rhythm.Adam Murray was quickly into the action with a couple of early crunching tackles, and Martin Bullock saw a lot of the ball in the opening stages.
The home side soon found the feet and began to take control of the game.The lively Jason Puncheon played just behind Adam Birchall and the two were a real handful all afternoon.Barnet's wingers Richard Graham & Barry Cogan were finding plenty of space in wide area's but Dave Morley & James Jennings stood strong in defence and made some vital headed clearances.
On 15 minutes a tremendous through ball set Birchall away, but when the striker turned well his shot was smothered by the alert Rouse.
The Silkmen had struggled to make an impact on the game until the 17th minute when Colin Heath & Matt Tipton exchanged passes, but Heath's low cross shot eluded everybody in the box.Just moments later Martin Bullock came close when he cut in from the left but saw his low curling shot drift wide of the Barnet goal.
21 minutes into the game Macclesfield called 'keeper Lee Harrison into action for the first time when Tipton who had found space in the right channel squared to Heath but his shot was comfortably gathered.
Despite Macc's efforts on goal, Barnet remained the better team and continued to put pressure on the Macclesfield back four.Energetic midfielder Dean Sinclair had two attempts on goal in quick succession, the latter of which was saved by Rouse.
Just 5 minutes before the break the deadlock was broken.Nicky Bailey played a pass over the defence into the path of Birchall who despite the appeals for offside kept his cool and slotted the ball home.Dave Morley was adamant the striker was in an offside position and his extended protests resulted in him being shown a yellow card by referee Kevin Friend.
The first half ended with little else of note to report, and it was Barnet who went in at half time with a lead they just about deserved.
Macclesfield had the advantage of the slope in the second half but they were unable to make it count, as again Barnet were the more threatening team.
Jason Puncheon, who'd scored Barnet's winner in midweek had a few early opportunities - the first of which went just wide and the second was superbly blocked by the impressive Jennings.
On 51 minutes Kevin McIntyre was dispossessed midway inside his own half but fortunately for the full back Barry Cogan dragged his shot wide.
Carl Regan was the second Macc player into the referee's notebook when he was carded for a late tackle on Puncheon after 55 minutes.
With a little over half an hour to go Ince shuffled his pack by making a double substitution - Matt Tipton & Adam Murray were replaced by John Miles & Jordan Hadfield as the Silkmen went in search of an equaliser.
Hadfield was his usual combative self and after a few tough tackles was booked.Miles saw a lot of the ball and used it extremely well - he showed several neat touches and played some intelligent passes.
Just past the hour David Rouse had a rush of blood to his head as he raced out of his area and missed the ball as Puncheon & Jennings battled for a speculative long pass.Puncheon eventually found the ball at his feet but his chip sailed just over as Rouse raced back towards his goal.
The substitutions seemed to brighten Macc up however, and had also opened up the game as both teams mounted attacks.
Jordan Hadfield won possession midway inside the Barnet half on 70 minutes but after carrying the ball to the edge of the area fired a shot high & wide.
Minutes later top scorer Kevin McIntyre ambitiously went for goal with a 25-yard free kick, but Harrison easily gathered the looping effort.
Izak Reid was introduced to the action with just over 10 minutes to go in place of Heath, but the winger struggled to make an impact on what little of the game remained.
As the final whistle drew closer Barnet appeared content with their one goal advantage as they tried their best to play keep ball by the corner flag.With a few minutes remaining John Miles had a half chance for Macc but he volleyed wide after Ian Hendon had miscued his clearance from Carl Regan's cross.
The final whistle blew and unfortunately The Silkmen went away empty handed.I feel James Jennings deserves a special mention for a very impressive display - The youngster who only has a handful of first team appearances under his belt came in and performed superbly well.
The effort was there throughout and maybe it was an FA Cup hangover, but the performance wasn't at the impressive level set in recent weeks - Hopefully we can get back on track with a home win over Hereford next time out.
Nick Brooks
