Match Report: Walsall Defeat Macclesfield

Macclesfield Town
By David Penniall
January 31 2007

The Saddlers went into yesterday’s game with Macclesfield Town on the back of a disappointing draw at home against Boston United, with top place at stake it was a must win game for Richard Money’s side with Swindon looking to over take them at the top.

The Saddlers made 2 changes for the trip to Moss Rose with Anthony Gerrard replacing the injured Ian Roper at the back and long serving midfielder Darren Wrack replacing Mark Wright out on the wing.

 

The Saddlers lined up with Clayton Ince in goal, Daniel Fox, Chris Westwood, Anthony Gerrard and Scott Dann across the back, in midfield, Darren Wrack, Dean Keates, Michael Dobson and Craig Pead with Martin Butler and Hector Sam up front.  On the bench for The Saddlers were Bertrand Bossu, Mark Wright, Kris Taylor, Ishmel Demontagnac and Par Cederqvist on the bench.

 

Macclesfield gifted Walsall an early lead when debutant Adam Murray innocuously handled a clearance after just 32 seconds, allowing Dean Keates to neatly slot home a left-footed penalty.  The Cheshire side went on to dominate the first half with skipper David Morley headed inches wide on 21 minutes, before his partner at the back had a header hit the crossbar just 4 minutes later.

 

In the second half, Walsall very impressive defence constantly stopped Macclesfield’s attack and it was The Saddlers made the greatest threat in the second half when captain Michael Dobson could of done better with a close header and Keates went close with a 40-yard lob into the advertisings hoardings.  It wasn’t until the final minutes of the game when Dean Keates hit a stunning free kick to extend The Saddlers lead to three points at the top.