BRIAN Horton could scarcely conceal his joy after Macclesfield Town cemented a play-off spot.

The Cheshire club only needed a point against Rushden and Diamonds, but took all three thanks to Jon Parkinés strike.

And the Silkmen boss praised Maccés unexpected success after they clinched fifth place following last seasonés relegation battle.

éIém absolutely delighted,é said Horton. éWeéve come a long way in 12 months when you think what we were doing this time last year.

éIt has been a fantastic achievement by everyone at the football club.

éItés a team game and ités been a team effort all through the season. And whether weéve limped over or not ités still a fantastic achievement to be finishing fifth in the League.

éNo one thought we could do it at the start of the season, certainly not the bookies who had us at 40-1 - but now we must go again.é

Macclesfield now face Lincoln in a two-legged play-off semi-final, something which even Horton has not experienced in more than 1,000 games as a football manager.

He added: éItés my first time in the play-offs. I went close with both Brighton and Huddersfield so Iém looking forward to the challenge as well.

éWeéve got Lincoln now. Keith Alexander has done a fantastic job with them, this is the third time theyéve been in the play-offs and he has done a great job.

éBut we beat them here and lost away so ités set up for two great games.

éWeéll give it all weéve got but I think it will see a bit of pressure off the players to be honest.é