Rotherham United 3 Macclesfield Town 0
The Silkmen began the New Year in disappointing fashion when they went down 3-0 to an in-form Rotherham United at Millmoor today.
Ian Brightwell made three changes to the side that started against Rochdale at the Moss Rose on Saturday. In came Nick Blackman to replace Martin Gritton who was still recovering from a bad gash to his forehead that required 12 stitches.
Jamie Tolley replaced Adam Murray in midfield and at the back Phil Doughty came in to partner Sean Hessey, with Luke Dimech reverting to the substitute's bench.
In a strangely subdued atmosphere, with light rain falling onto a cut up pitch, the teams shared the opening exchanges. In fact the first period was devoid of any real action of note at either end, the only real chance falling to on loan Ian Ross whose half volley smacked against the Silkmen's crossbar.
Of the two manager's Ian Brightwell probably was the happier of the two as the half time whistle blew. But with the Silkmen's young front pairing getting little out of the Miller's defence there was a sense that were the home side to step up a gear then it could spell trouble for a rather lack lustre Macclesfield team.
With the home side threatening only slightly more it looked as if the Silkmen might hang on for a much welcome, if unlikely point. The turning point came on 63 minutes with the introduction of Ryan Taylor which sparked the home side into action.
With Simon Wiles waiting to come on, the opening goal came on 70 minutes when the Silkmen gave up some easy ball from their corner. The home side broke quickly and from the resultant cross Mark Hudson headed home past an unprotected Jon Brain.
It knocked all the stuffing out of the young Silkmen side who rarely threatened all game and it was left to Taylor to make his mark with two late goals. The first came from a low shot after Pablo Mills had broken from midfield. The pick however was the 3rd, the forward finishing off from six yards after a neat exchange of passes with Danny Harrison.
Whilst the 3-0 scoreline flattered the Millers, the Silkmen offered little and will have headed back to Cheshire disappointed with their display and a run of form that has seen them pick up just three points from the last eight games.
The one highlight was the late introduction of Kristian Dennis for his first task of first team action.
