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Macclesfield 2 Bury 0

2010-03-13T17:22:23

Macclesfield's victory capped an afternoon dedicated to former manager Keith Alexander.

In their first home game since the death of their manager, Macc shocked their visitors with a fine battling performance to dent the Shakers' promotion hopes.

Macclesfield v Bury: Prediction

2010-03-12T12:02:00

Macclesfield host their first game since the shock death of their manager Keith Alexander against Bury.

Spurred on by a wave of emotion, the travelling Silkmen beat Hereford last weekend and took a point from their midweek clash at Accrington Stanley.

Simpson up for Macc challenge

2010-03-11T11:44:59

Macclesfield caretaker boss Gary Simpson wants to guide his anguished team through to the end of the season.

Assistant boss Simpson has taken over following the shock death of boss Keith Alexander last week and he has guided the Silkmen to a win and a draw as they look to escape relegation.

Accrington 1 Macclesfield 1

2010-03-09T23:37:24

SUB Matthew Tipton scored an equaliser to keep the smiles on Macc's faces a week after boss Keith Alexander's death.

Tipton had only been on the pitch eight minutes when he fired home a contentious penalty on 78 minutes after Phil Edwards was judged to have handled the ball.

Rest in peace big Keith

2010-03-10T11:55:45

One of English football’s gentlemen has left us.

Keith Alexander died just hours after a defeat at one of his former teams, Notts County. Those who knew him during his time at Meadow Lane, and at each and every one of his other past clubs, will remember Keith as a thoroughly decent bloke, and charming company, whether his side had won or lost.

Shakers the visitors on emotional day

2010-03-10T11:55:44

Bury come to Macc on Saturday for the first game at the Moss Rose since the death of Keith Alexander.

Perhaps fittingly, a former club of Keith’s visit the Silkmen on what will be another heart-wrenching occasion. Many of the current Bury players will have been at the club during his stint as director of football and manager Alan Knill spoke in glowing terms of his rival manager last week.

Goodbye to the Gaffer

2010-03-10T11:55:43

Macclesfield's win at Hereford United, their first victory of 2010, will be a day remembered by everyone involved with the club for years to come.

An emotionally charged encounter saw Macc take the points with goals from Ricky Sappleton and Emile Sinclair.

Macc pay tribute to their 'Gaffer'

2010-03-08T09:28:39

There was a huge outpouring of emotion at Edgar Street, where Macclesfield found strength in their adversity to beat Hereford 2-0.

Following the shock death of manager Keith Alexander last week, his side wiped away their tears to sweep aside their hosts and they dedicated the victory - their first of 2010 - to the much-loved 'Gaffer.'

Simpson dedicates win to Keith

2010-03-06T19:00:51

Caretaker Macclesfield manager Gary Simpson dedicated his side's 2-0 win over Hereford to his long-standing friend and boss Keith Alexander, who passed away in midweek.

A minute's silence was held before the kick-off in a tribute to Alexander when the Silkmen players wore special shirts with 'Rest in peace, gaffer' printed on the back.

Hereford 0 Macclesfield 2

2010-03-06T17:12:18

Macclesfield got their first win of the year in a highly emotional day at Hereford United.

Still trying to come to terms with the death this week of manager Keith Alexander, Macc deservedly swept aside their hosts with goals from Ricky Sappleton and Emile Sinclair.

Hereford v Macc: Keith Alexander remembered

2010-03-06T17:14:26

Macclesfield travelled to Hereford mourning the loss of manager Keith Alexander, who died earlier this week.

Macclesfield Express sports reporter Mike Glendinning will be at the match speaking to club officials and fans alike about what Keith meant to them. He will be covering the game in a live blog, so to keep up with all the day's events and to add your own tribute to Keith, click here.

Let's do it for Keith - Tipton

2010-03-05T13:09:31

Striker Matthew Tipton says the biggest honour Macclesfield can give manager Keith Alexander is to keep the Silkmen in League Two - starting with the game at Hereford United.

Hugely-respected Macc boss Alexander, 53, died on Tuesday night after his team's defeat to Notts County.

Managers praise for Alexander

2010-03-04T11:52:27

Bury boss Alan Knill, Stockport boss Gary Ablett and Rochdale manager Keith Hill pay tribute to the late Keith Alexander.

Hereford v Macclesfield to go ahead

2010-03-04T12:19:57

Macclesfield assistant boss Gary Simpson has confirmed this weekend's Coca-Cola League Two match at Hereford will go ahead as scheduled following the death of manager Keith Alexander.

Silkmen boss Alexander died just hours after the club's match at Notts County on Tuesday, raising the possibility of Saturday's game being postponed.

Keith Alexander: a tribute

2010-03-04T09:23:48

Mike Glendinning, sports editor of the Macclesfield Express, offers a personal tribute to the late Keith Alexander, a man Mike knew well and who will be sadly missed.

He remembers a kind, astute and pioneering manager and one of football's true gentlemen.

Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander dies

2010-03-03T16:26:26

Macclesfield Town manager Keith Alexander has died at the age of 53.

Alexander, who recently took time off due to illness, passed away after arriving home on Tuesday night from Macclesfield's League Two match away at Notts County.

Hughton tribute for Alexander

2010-03-04T15:45:52

Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has paid tribute to Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander following his death.

The former Republic of Ireland international knew 53-year-old Alexander well and considered him a role model not only for young black players and coaches, but the whole of football.

Notts County 1 Macclesfield 0

2010-03-02T22:31:41

Macclesfield's poor 2010 continued against a powerful Notts County at Meadow Lane.

Once again Keith Alexander’s men were hard-working, resolute and no soft touch but they simply couldn’t match their work rate with quality in front of goal.

Alexander bemoans Macc luck

2010-03-01T11:12:01

Macclesfield manager Keith Alexander was left cursing his side's bad fortune after the 1-0 defeat against league leaders Rochdale.

Jon Brain saved a close-range effort from Chris O'Grady and the ball rebounded in off Nat Brown.

Macclesfield 0 Rochdale 1

2010-02-27T17:16:05

Macclesfield huffed and puffed but couldn't find a way past top of the table Rochdale as the leaders snatched three points at the Moss Rose.

The Silkmen pinned the visitors back for large periods of the game but Dale's class shone through.

Macclesfield v Rochdale: Preview

2010-02-26T12:26:48

Macclesfield are still searching for their first win in 2010 - and next up they have to face league leaders Rochdale.

The Macc manager will have teen starlet John Rooney available after a trial period with Championship side Derby.

Rooney set for move to Championship?

2010-02-25T15:42:53

John Rooney may be on the verge of climbing a few rungs up the Football League ladder.

The younger brother of Manchester United and England star Wayne has this week been training at Championship club Derby County.

Grimsby 1 Macclesfield 1

2010-02-23T22:34:58

Macclesfield Town midfield man Richard Butcher snuffed out Grimsby’s hopes of ending a 23-game winless streak with a thrilling second half free-kick.

On loan from Lincoln, Butcher scored his first goal for the club in the 57th minute with a 22-yard curling drive that dipped perfectly into the top corner.

Little club - big ambitions

2010-02-24T11:55:27

Still reeling from the blatant foul that led to Bournemouth’s late equaliser, Keith Alexander says "little Macclesfield Town" should be much higher in the table.

Alexander was sent to the stands for his furious protests at the Cherries’ leveller five minutes from time, but slammed the official’s decision as ludicrous.

Silkmen face top scorers

2010-02-24T11:55:23

The division’s two most potent sides provide tough tests for Macc this week, with a whopping 119 goals scored between them.

League leaders Rochdale come to town on Saturday, with Keith Hill’s free-scoring side aiming to maintain their charge to the title.

“Blatant” Connell foul helps rescue draw

2010-02-24T11:55:25

Irate Macc boss Keith Alexander blasted referee Graham Horwood for the "absolutely scandalous" decision that he claimed cost his side victory at Bournemouth.

Alexander was banished to the stands after remonstrating with fourth official Simon Knapp and then Horwood following Alan Connell’s disputed leveller five minutes from time.

Blues' Kompany

2010-02-24T11:55:22

Macc Town have signed Francois Kompany, the younger brother of Manchester City star Vincent Kompany.

Twenty-year-old Kompany, who plays on the left side of defence or midfield, has been training with Keith Alexander’s squad for the past few months, and has signed up until the end of the season.

Alexander furious after Cherries point

2010-02-22T11:37:26

Irate Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander blasted referee Graham Horwood for the "absolutely scandalous" decision that he claimed cost his side victory at Bournemouth.

Alexander was banished to the stands after remonstrating with fourth official Simon Knapp and then Horwood following Alan Connell's disputed leveller five minutes from time.

Bournemouth 1 Macclesfield 1

2010-02-20T18:02:44

Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander was banished to the stands for disputing Bournemouth’s equaliser during their draw at Dean Court.

Alexander was furious after claiming his side should have been awarded a free kick in the lead-up to Alan Connell’s 85th-minute leveller. Earlier, Nat Brown’s 62nd-minute header had put the Silkmen on course to earn victory at Bournemouth for the second season running.

Bournemouth v Macc: Preview

2010-02-19T13:37:24

Macclesfield Town face promotion contenders Bournemouth in a clash not expected to bring a glut of goals.

Despite occupying one of the top two spots since early September, the south coast side have netted a meagre 37 goals in 31 league outings - less than two thirds of the tally of league leaders Rochdale.

Macclesfield 0 Accrington 0

2010-02-13T17:13:33

Macclesfield Town were inches away from their first win of the year but had to settle for a point against Accrington.

Former Stanley striker Craig Lindfield latched onto a long clearance and slipped clear of the visitors' defence but returning keeper Ian Dunbavin pushed his low shot onto the near post.

Macclesfield v Accrington: Preview

2010-02-12T11:19:18

Macclesfield boss Keith Alexander believes there's no pressure on his side as they prepare to welcome Accrington.

The game pits the two clubs with the smallest budgets in the league against one another.

Butcher beefs up midfield

2010-02-10T12:51:01

MACC Town boss Keith Alexander has moved to refresh his injury-hit midfield with the loan signing of Richard Butcher.

With Hamza Bencherif sidelined in the long term, and Ross Draper making his recovery from a double hernia operation, the last thing Alexander needed at the weekend was another injury in his engine room.

Bury 2 Macclesfield 1

2010-02-09T22:19:59

Macclesfield took the lead at Gigg Lane but left empty-handed after Bury striker Andy Bishop snatched the points for the Shakers.

The Silkmen went ahead when debutant Richard Butcher, signed on loan from Lincoln on Tuesday, opened the scoring with a rebound off his backside.

But Bishop, who is on his way back after a long term groin injury, had only been on the pitch seven minutes when he fired home the winner 11 minutes from time to make it seven wins in eight league games for Bury.

Macclesfield 0 Shrewsbury 1

2010-02-06T17:07:57

Macclesfield's wasted chances proved costly as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat at home to Shrewsbury.

Macc were on top in the first half but had nothing to show for their excellent approach play at the break.

Macclesfield v Shrewsbury: Preview

2010-02-05T11:49:50

Macclesfield host promotion hopefuls Shrewsbury with a point to prove at the Moss Rose.

Six weeks ago Macc were denied a Boxing Day win in Shropshire by a 95th-minute equaliser.

The Silkmen had led 2-1 going into injury time but the Shrews' top scorer Dave Hibbert rescued a point seconds before the final whistle.

Sappleton happy to sign on

2010-02-03T10:22:10

MACCLESFIELD Town hitman Ricky Sappleton has made his loan move at the Moss Rose a permanent switch.

Sappleton, who came to the club on a loan deal from Leicester City in August, has hit six goals for Keith Alexander’s men, the latest an excellent strike to rescue a point in Macc’s last game against Morecambe.

County whizzkid adds pace to Macc

2010-02-03T10:25:16

MACC Town have added to their attacking ranks with the loan signing of Derby County midfielder Greg Mills.

The Rams youngster, who can play on the either flank, has made two substitute appearances for Derby this season and joins the Silkmen on an initial month’s loan.

Big match previews

2010-02-03T10:26:13

MACC renew acquaintances with Shrewsbury on Saturday, six weeks after the two sides played out a 2-2 draw.

The Boxing Day fixture saw Macc take a 2-1 lead in first-half injury time but Dave Hibbert’s late equaliser rescued a point for the Shrews, who have since climbed into the play-off spots, despite a defeat to Accrington in their last outing.

Ricky’s rocket rescues a late point for Silkmen

2010-02-03T10:38:12

SILKMEN striker Ricky Sappleton saved his side’s blushes in a stalemate against Morecambe last Tuesday night.

Less than 10 minutes from time, the powerhouse hitman neatly controlled the ball before taking aim and unleashing a stunning volley, his sixth goal for the club.

Askey dad backs Andy plea

2010-02-03T10:29:14

THE father of a Moss Rose legend has backed the Macc vice-chairman’s plea for backing from the community.

Colin Askey, himself an FA Cup semi-finalist with Port Vale, contacted the Express in response to Andy Scott’s concerns that a lack of local support could lead to serious financial difficulties for the Silkmen.

Transfer deadline day blog

2010-02-01T17:15:01

Follow all the ins and outs from the region's local clubs as the clock ticks down to the 5pm deadline.

Rotherham v Macclesfield postponed

2010-01-30T14:02:13

Macclesfield's match at Rotherham United has been called off because of a frozen pitch.

The pitch at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield, was deemed unplayable after a lunchtime inspection.

Rotherham v Macclesfield: Preview

2010-01-29T12:55:45

MACCLESFIELD have a tough task as they search for their first win of the year when they travel to third-placed Rotherham United.

The Millers have signed Blackburn loanees Gavin Gunning, a left-sided defender, and attacker Marcus Marshall as boss Ronnie Moore aims for automatic promotion at the third time of asking.

Rotherham's financial problems have seen them lose 27 points in their two seasons since their relegation to League Two in 1997.

Macclesfield 2 Morecambe 2

2010-01-26T22:35:38

Powerhouse striker Ricky Sappleton saved Macclesfield’s blushes against their former manager Sammy McIlroy’s Morecambe.

The 18-year-old muscleman neatly controlled a flick-on from substitute Ben Wright in the 82nd minute before turning on the edge of the box to thump home a stunning volley for his sixth goal of the season since his loan move from Leicester.

Macclesfield had taken the lead in the 37th minute when former Liverpool trainee Craig Lindfield converted a low Lee Bell cross for his first goal for the club on his home debut.

Macc need firepower

2010-01-26T15:06:52

GOAL-SHY Macclesfield face Morecambe, managed by their former boss Sammy McIlroy, tonight as they look to get back on track.

Former United star McIlroy, who steered Macc into the Football League in 1997, achieved the same feat with the Shrimps 10 years later and his current side are looking an outside bet for the play-offs.

Morecambe have finished 11th in League Two in both of their seasons so far and a seven-game wining streak that stretched from the end of October to mid-December helped them climb to 10th in the League Two table.

Alexander salutes solid Dale

2010-01-25T12:08:45

MACCLESFIELD boss Keith Alexander, who last week signed a two-year contract extension, has again called on dissenting voices on the terraces to play their part as he aims to bring success to the club.

After this hard-fought - if dour - draw at Vale he said: "It's easy to criticise when you're not playing well, but if you're supporters - you've got to come down and support your team.

"They can have a go at me, but when you look at the other teams we do very well to stay in the division."

Port Vale 0 Macclesfield 0

2010-01-23T17:36:33

MACCLESFIELD looked woefully short of any attacking prowess but held out for a point at Vale Park.

The first half saw Macc firmly on the back foot and only rugged defending, inspired by full-blooded full-back Carl Tremarco, saw them go into the break on level terms.

Macc's Jonny Brain was the busier of the two keepers throughout the afternoon, foiling Louis Dodds and Craig Davies before a fine dive low to his left pushed away Marc Richards' drive.

Port Vale v Macc: Preview

2010-01-22T12:21:09

MACCLESFIELD take the short trip to Port Vale hoping to banish all thoughts of a disappointing midweek defeat to Northampton.

The Silkmen's first game in almost four weeks saw them go down 2-0 at home and manager Keith Alexander will demand better against a Vale side that Macc beat at home in August.

"Normally I can't fault the players' commitment or effort," said Alexander after that defeat.

Macc 0 Northampton 2

2010-01-20T22:32:54

MACCLESFIELD kicked off the second half of the season with a dour outing at home to Northampton.

The Cobblers were rarely troubled as the Silkmen struggled to shake off the cobwebs from their enforced winter break.

Macclesfield v Northampton postponed

2010-01-16T16:00:58

MACCLESFIELD'S clash with Northampton has been rearranged for Wednesday evening after the game was postponed on Saturday.

The Moss Rose pitch was waterlogged and Macc chairman Mike Rance told the club's official website: "It's a shame because the efforts of our volunteers have been immense over the past few days."

The game will kick off at 7.45pm on Wednesday.

Macclesfield v Northampton: Preview

2010-01-15T10:51:57

MACCLESFIELD chairman Mike Rance says he is 'hopeful' the club will finally kick off 2010 this weekend.

Volunteers and youth team players have been clearing snow from the Moss Rose pitch in readiness for Northampton Town's visit.

"Northampton were one of the fancied teams at the start of the season," said manager Keith Alexander.

Bury v Macc postponed again

2010-01-11T17:23:33

MACCLESFIELD'S re-arranged clash with Bury at Gigg Lane has been postponed for a second time.

Referee Karl Evans inspected the pitch and decided Tuesday's game would have been unsafe.

The game will now be played on Tuesday February 9, kick off 7.45pm.

Macc v Morecambe postponed

2010-01-02T13:06:46

MACCLESFIELD'S clash with Morecambe has been postponed because of snow.

The game was touch and go until this morning, when a heavy snow shower snuffed out any chance of the match going ahead.

No new date has yet been arranged for the game.

Macc set for Shrimps test

2009-12-31T07:00:32

MACCLESFIELD will look to start the New Year as they finished the old one as former manager Sammy McIlroy brings his Morecambe side to the Moss Rose.

The Silkmen took one point from their Boxing Day fixture against Shrewsbury before thumping Crewe 4-1 in their last game of the decade.

And boss Keith Alexander may give striker Craig Lindfield his debut after the former Liverpool trainee's registration was delayed by the Premier League offices closing for Christmas.

Alexander delight at Macc showing

2009-12-29T12:01:20

MACCLESFIELD manager Keith Alexander watched with undisguised delight as his rampant Silkmen took Crewe apart, sprinting into a three-goal lead inside the first half hour.

Although Calvin Zola pulled one back midway through the first half for the Railwaymen, Ricky Sappleton ensured a happy end to the year for Macc by slotting home the fourth goal in injury time.

"That's been coming for some time," said Alexander. "I think we've been playing reasonably well in recent weeks.

Macclesfield 4 Crewe 1

2009-12-28T17:03:29

MACCLESFIELD stunned Crewe with a first-half goal flurry, scoring three times in the opening half-hour to set up an excellent win.

Ben Wright gave Macc a dream start, turning home Colin Daniel's deflected shot with just three minutes on the clock.

The lead was doubled 10 minutes later by Paul Bolland, who capitalised on Crewe captain Danny O'Donnell's slip under pressure from Emile Sinclair to slot in the second goal.

Shrewsbury 2 Macclesfield 2

2009-12-26T17:26:06

MACCLESFIELD had to settle for a point after conceding a 95th minute equaliser in their Boxing Day clash with Shrewsbury.

A dour first half ended with a flourish as three goals came in the space of three stoppage-time minutes, as Nat Brown and Colin Daniel's goals were split by Waide Fairhurst's strike to put the visitors 2-1 ahead at the break.

But in the 95th minute, Shrewsbury's leveller came from striker Dave Hibbert to make the final score 2-2.

Macclesfield: Half term report

2009-12-23T11:47:11

MACCLESFIELD, who are sitting in 18th place, will be kicking themselves at a host of needlessly dropped points.

Their lapses in concentration levels are something that need addressing in 2010. They can, however, take heart from a stylish approach that has, in the main, paid dividends.

Check out our verdict here.

Bury v Macc postponed

2009-12-19T13:44:18

MACCLESFIELD'S game at Bury has been called off because of freezing conditions at Gigg Lane.

Referee Carl Boyeson inspected the pitch on Saturday morning and declared certain areas unplayable.

No new date has been set for the game.