THE SILKGIRLS exited the Cheshire Cup in the semi-finals at the hands of local rivals Stockport.

Macc knew they were going to have a hard job against Premier League opposition who beat them in last year’s final.

With four regulars out, Macc started with just 11 players and Stockport took the lead after a few minutes. However, their joy was short-lived as, straight from the restart, a good ball from Beth Clarke found Sophie Thomason, who beat the defenders and put a strong shot into the net.

Stockport applied the pressure and it took some resolute defending and fine saves by Beth Rankine to keep them out.

Macclesfield were reduced to 10 players when Krista Oakes went off with a knee injury and, by half-time the visitors had taken a 4-1 lead. Stockport also dominated the second half and Macc’s task was made harder when Kim Janes was carried off with a ligament injury and they continued with nine.

Stockport went on to score at regular intervals, although Macc can count themselves unlucky to have been at the wrong end of so many decisions.


* In their last match of the season, Macc Town Silks started brightly at Great Sutton but went behind to a freak own goal.

Macc came back well, Bev Wright hitting the bar twice before Great Sutton made it 2-0. The home side peppered the Silks goal in the second half and added two more, Donna George making several saves before going off injured.

Reduced to 10, Macc conceded two late goals and the 6-0 scoreline didn’t do them justice for their tireless efforts.

The U-16s drew 4-4 with Crewe and Nantwich, the U-12s drew with Warrington and the U-12 Silks beat Sandbach 2-1. The U-10s lost 1-0 to Halton.