Browse Sections

• Macclesfield Town FC
• Local football
• Local cricket
• Golf

Height needed

Mike Glendinning
29/ 8/2007

MACCLESFIELD manager Ian Brightwell is in danger of having his efforts ruined by a distinct lack of height in his defence.

Already this season, the Silkmen have conceded important goals from balls into the box.

Just three games into the season, two goals - equalisers for the MK Dons and Grimsby Town - have cost Brightwell's side four points that would have put them in the top three going into this weekend's clash with leaders Darlington.

The defection of Danny Swailes to the Dons has left Macc in dire need of height in the back-line.

While the current centre-back pairing of Richard Edghill and Luke Dimech have arguably been two of the team's best performers in the Silkmen's unbeaten start to the season, they are less than towering when balls are pumped into the danger zone.

Six-footer Martin Gritton played a sterling defensive role in the draw at Blundell Park, but to utilise the Scot at every corner and free-kick conceded detracts from his prime goal-scoring objective.

With Dave Morley and Andrew Teague still some way from full fitness, all Brightwell and Asa Hartford's good work so far may yet be undone.

"I would like to get someone in, but I've been told we need to be prudent," admitted Brightwell.

"A lack of height is a concern and it's something that will be addressed."

Macc's vulnerability is something that will not go unnoticed by rival club's scouts and may prove to be the Silkmen's achilles heel, particularly against Saturday's visitors, the in-form Quakers.

However, it is unlikely that the Swailes proceeds will go towards bringing in a replacement.

The club's chief executive, Patrick Nelson, said: "With only one home game gone, it is time to be prudent and see how gates and results go in the next few weeks before making any more moves in the market.

"There's no need to rush in and have our hands tied at this point. The season has started well and the board are very pleased."

• A MACCLESFIELD XI lost a friendly run-out 3-0 to Crewe Alexandra reserves on Tuesday.

"It was a good chance for players who haven't been in the first team to get a game under their belt and learn a lot from some good players at Crewe" said Brightwell.