Gary Simpson’s Silkmen passed a tough test at Leek Town on Tuesday night, thanks to a late penalty from Lewis Chalmers.
Facing among others Moss Rose legend Darren Tinson, the youthful Macc side struggled to break down the hosts’ defence marshalled by the man who made more than 250 appearances for the club in a seven-year stay.
In the first half, Macc’s best chance fell to Vinny Mukendi, who forced a good save out of Leek keeper Danny Roberts.
Simpson’s side suffered a double injury blow before the break, as Carl Tremarco was replaced by Tony Diagne due to a head injury to the left-back.
Tom Fisher also left the field with a knee problem, with Ben Tomlinson coming on for him shortly before half-time.
After the break former Silkman Christian Millar saw a shot from the edge of the box pass the post before Macc took control of the match.
Mukendi’s shot rebounded off the post after a through ball by Daniels.
Waide Fairhurst’s long charge into the box saw him create an opening but he was pulled up for a foul before he got his shot away.
With less than a minute to play, Mukendi again caused the hosts some problems and defender Mark Fitton upended the young striker.
Lewis Chalmers slotted home the resulting penalty to end Leek’s unbeaten pre-season programme.
"It was a good workout for the lads," said Simpson.
"We won the game but that’s secondary to getting the fitness levels up."
