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Macc 0 Stockport 1

Simon Carter
10/10/2007

MACCLESFIELD manager Ian Brightwell rounded on his lacklustre players after a dismal exit from the Johnstone's Paint Trophy against spirited derby rivals Stockport.

The ex-City star said: "It simply wasn't good enough. I don't mind losing when we are giving everything we've got but we lacked commitment and were second to the ball all night long."

His counterpart Stockport boss Jim Gannon had a different tale: "It was a magnificent game of football. I had to blood a few players and many of them have done themselves an immense amount of good."

The vital goal came in the 58th minute when on-loan left-back Paul Tierney followed a surging run with a neat one-two off Leslie Thompson. From 15 yards he hammered the ball at Jonathan Brain, gleefully poking home the easy rebound.

Thompson had spurned three early chances, the best a side foot volley from 10 yards that sailed inches wide.

Macclesfield were unlucky not to take the lead in the 24th minute when Francis Green powered a scissors kick against the upright.

They had chances to force the tie to penalties with sub Gareth Evans volleying home only to be called off-side before Martin Gritton had a close-range shot smothered at the death by Conrad Logan.

What is your verdict on the game? Have your say.