Coca-Cola League Two

STAND-IN goalkeeper Steve Wilson earned Macclesfield a valuable point against promotion-rivals Scunthorpe.

The Silkmen shot-stopper - deputising for the injured Alan Fettis - produced a string of magnificent saves to keep alive Maccés hopes of automatic promotion.

Wilson was in wonderful form as the visitors were put under the cosh by third-placed Iron at a raucous Glanford Park.

The second-choice keeper saved the Cheshire club on at least five separate occasions - and one double save in the 83rd minute will go down in folklore should Macc gain promotion.

First Wilson did brilliantly to deny substitute Michael Rankin from eight yards and then, amazingly, he was back on his feet to thwart Cleveland Taylorés point-blank drive.

And when Scunthorpeés Paul Hayes did have the ball in the net on 64 minutes, referee Jarnail Singh disallowed the goal for a push on Tony Barras. But the Silkmen had earned that slice of good fortune with a superbly committed display, epitomised by the outstanding Kevin McIntyre.

Macclesfield had started brightly as they sought to put a disappointing Easter behind them and could easily have taken the lead.

Kevin Townson, in his first start, twice tested Iron keeper Paul Musselwhite in the opening 10 minutes. And his second effort, a header from John Miles delightful cross, should have given the visitors the lead.

The impressive Michael Welch then saw his header cleared off the line before Scunthorpe slowly began to gain the ascendancy.

First Andy Keoghés deflected effort hit the side netting and then the Silkmen received a major let-off on 33 minutes. Wilson did brilliantly to tip Keoghés lob on to the crossbar before a combination of the goalkeeper, Welch and the upright managed to keep out Matt Sparrowés follow-up effort.

Bailey departed soon after, replaced by Matt Carragher, and it was the substitute who came to the visitorsé rescue at the start of the second half with a timely interception as Hayes bared down on goal.

The home side were putting Macc under increasing pressure as the half continued and Wilson had to be at his best to acrobatically tip over Rankinés well-struck drive.

The Silkmen keeper produced another fine stop to deny Steve Torpey, though Matthew Tipton nearly grabbed an unlikely winner when Crosbyés clearance crashed into the Macc skipper and looped agonisingly wide.

And Scunthorpe knew it was not going to be their day when Wilson was on hand once more to deny Hayes after Welchés error had handed the striker a chance.

SCUNTHORPE: Musselwhite, Crosby, Byrne, Sparrow, Hayes, Torpey, Barraclough, Ridley, Kell (Taylor 64), Hinds, Keogh (Rankin 45). Subs (not used): Evans, Corden, Williams. Booked: Kell.

MACCLESFIELD: Wilson, Bailey (Carragher 33), Potter, Barras, Harsley, Tipton, Miles, Townson, Welch, Morley, McIntyre. Subs (not used): Whitaker, Boyd, MacKenzie, Deasy. Booked: Townson. Star man: Steve Wilson.

Referee: J.Singh.

Attendance: 5,556.