Before the Silkmen's Easter Monday game with Barnet you would have got very long odds on the name 'Neil Ashton' appearing in the goalscorer's column.

The defender, who is currently on loan from Shrewsbury Town, was making his 136th appearance in the Football League and it that time he has found the back of the net on just three occasions. But score he did and we caught up with him immediately after the game and where else to start than with the goal.

"If was a free kick out wide and to be honest I was just intent on getting a good ball into the danger area at the back post," smiled Neil. "I played the ball across the box and it just seemed to evade everyone. The goalie was caught off guard and it found its way into the back of the net. I suppose you could say it was a bit lucky but I'll happily take it as I don't score that many."

"And it couldn't have come at any better time just a few minutes before the break. Two up probably flattered us a bit as we had started slowly. But unlike in recent weeks we took our chances today and that's all that matters."

"At half-time the gaffer and Gary said we needed to up our game and get that all important third goal. We knew the next goal was going to be crucial and Franny was right on cue to score with another great goal within five minutes of the restart. After that I thought we were very comfortable and I never felt they put us under any real pressure."

"That's three games unbeaten now at home since the gaffer arrived and it would be great to keep that run going for him. He has very clear ideas of how he wants to play the game and that if you aren't happy you won't get to play. And you can't really argue with that as he's got a great track record of getting results in this league and we've certainly picked up since his arrival. Of course it's far too early to start patting ourselves on the back but we know that if we can get another good result against Accrington on Saturday we will put a lot of pressure on the teams below us."

"And I am looking forward to playing my part. It's been a frustrating season for me but I am really enjoying my time at the Moss Rose. I wasn't involved against Shrewsbury as a result of a gentlemen's agreement and it was a bit weird watching from the stands. I actually did some commentary for Radio Shropshire which was fun but I don't think the Shrews fans were too impressed when I jumped up when Franny scored the winner. But Macc are my club until the end of the season and the win on the day was vital. Plus I think Shrewsbury have more than enough not to get dragged into a relegation fight."

"I haven't spoken to Paul Simpson yet but I've still got a year on my contract to run so hopefully things will become a bit clearer in the next month or so. It is unsettling but all I can do for now is give 100% for Macc and continue to enjoy my football. I've been given an opportunity and I am determine to fight as hard as I can to show everyone what I have to offer."