The Silkmen went to Meadow Lane and came away with 3 points after a battling performance with goals from Colin Health and Kevin McIntyre.
It was the home side that started the better but couldn't get control of the game.The Silkmens first attempt came after 10 minutes when good work down the left flank found Health who headed the ball wide.
The best though, was yet to come for the Silkmen as they opened the scoring in the 25th minute. Bullock collected the ball just inside his own half and ran at the County back line who didn't clear and the ball found it way to Health who looked to have all the time in the world to slot home neatly into the right side of the Magpies' goal.
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Heathy opens the scoring for the Silkmen |
The Silkmen soon added the second goal of the game when a long ball by Swailes was headed into the area by McNeil leaving Murphy to run on. He was looking to go round the keeper but was taken out and the ref didn't think twice about awarding the penalty kick. It was then left to McIntyre to slot home his third penalty of the season. 2 nil to the boys in blue!
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John Murphy wins the Silkmen's penalty at Meadow Lane... |
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...Which is duly scored by a delighted Kevin McIntyre |
The Silkmen could have been three nil up before half time but Tolley's 25 yard drive was brilliantly tipped round the post by Deeney.The home side had plenty of time on the ball in the first half but never really troubled Begovic. At half time it was the away faithful that was cheering and the home fans booing.
Into the second half and it was the Black and Whites that came out the stronger and in the 53rd minute came close to pulling a goal back when a free kick down the right hand side found Jason Lee jumping highest at the back post, only to see his effort superbly palmed over by Begovic and out for a corner.From the resulting corner the ball was swung in and found McCann inside the six yard box, who looked to completely mis kick the ball allowing the Silkmen a chance to clear the danger.
The blues weathered the storm and started to get back into the game with some quick passing.For long periods of the second half the play was in the middle of the park with both teams having few chances to score.With just under 15 minutes to go the Magpies' best chance of the game arrived after Jason Lee was given a lovely pass to run onto but he managed to lift his shot over the onrushing Begovic but the ball was well blocked on the goal line by the impressive youngster James Jennings.
The home side them changed tactics to four upfront as they tried to find a way back, but the Silkmen where not going to give up 3 points today and looked determined to hang onto the lead.Ince made his only change when he took a limping Health off and replaced him with Matt Tipton.
All the team battled hard just like the Dale game cheered on non-stop by a happy bundle of Blues fans.Into injury time and the home side kept pressing forward and had the ball in the back of the net but that Jason Lee effort was ruled out for offside.
A very late consolation did arrive when a run down the right saw the ball put across the Silkmen area and headed home by Dan Martin, but a minute later the ref blew the whistle and the Silkmen took home a well deserved three points.
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Incey salutes the fans after the game |
