Coca-Cola League Two
MARCUS Richardsonés first, and possibly last, Macclesfield Town goal earned the Silkmen a vital point in their fight for League Two survival.
The on-loan Chester striker may not be offered a permanent deal at the end of the season but, should the Moss Rose outfit avoid relegation, which they are now favourites to do after a superbly committed display, then Richardsonés 43rd-minute will go down in the Cheshire clubés history.
The ungainly hitman, who had failed to hit the target in his previous six appearances, met Paul Harsleyés inviting cross with a diving header which wrong-footed Grimsby goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall.
That enabled the Silkmen to secure a well-deserved point against the promotion-chasing Mariners, and ensured only a calamitous set of the results on the final day of the season will see Macc relegated.
Richardson has not been an instant hit with the Silkmen faithful, but his tireless workrate during his brief spell at the club cannot be faulted and earned special praise from manager Brian Horton.
"Iém pleased for Marcus; people have been saying heés ineffective, but heés done all right for us," said the Town boss, who admitted Chester had tried to recall the 28-year-old last week. "Heés a whole-hearted player, he might be limited, but most players are at this level."
Horton was equally effusive about 38-year-old player-coach. He added: "Ian Brightwell made that last ditch challenge, and if some of my other players were watching then they might learn a few things. Heés a fantastic professional and fantastic lad."
The home side were unfortunate to find themselves behind on 40 minutes. Alan Navarro and the lively John Miles had both tested Mildenhall before Gary Jones met Marc Goodfellowés cross with a towering header at the back post.
But Macclesfield were level three minutes later when Richardson struck, and they could easily have been ahead five minutes after the restart when Harsleyés 25-yard free-kick clipped the outside of the upright.
Jones then headed over Andy Parkinsonés cross, but it was Macc who finished the stronger. The impressive Matthew McNeil picked out substitute Martin Bullock, but Jason Whittle deflected his goal-bound effort behind for a corner.
Alan Navarro could have been made sure of League safety in the third minute of injury time, but the midfielder directed Harsleyés corner over the bar to set up a tense final day at Bristol Rovers.
MACCLESFIELD: Fettis, Morley, Swailes, Harsley, Richardson, Miles (Bullock 59), Whitaker, McIntyre, Brightwell, Navarro, McNeil. Subs (not used): Townson, Teague, Deasy, Smart. Star man: Kevin McIntyre.
GRIMSBY: Mildenhall, Cohen, Croft, Whittle, Jones (Futcher 27), Woodhouse, Parkinson, Bolland, Reddy (Mendes 69), Jones, Goodfellow (Toner 79). Subs (not used): Kalala, Downey.
Referee: Mr M.Russell.
Attendance: 3,849 (1,761).
