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Macc and Rushden aim to forget cup

12/12/2002

SOCCER: Macclesfield Town and Rushden will both be looking to forget about the FA Cup when they clash at the Moss Rose this Saturday.

The Silkmen need to concentrate on pulling away from the wrong end of Division Three after picking up one point from the last 12 available.

While Rushden will be looking to forget all about the cup after their shock exit at struggling Exeter last Saturday. Macclesfield manager David Moss said: "I want us to try to get to 30 points by the New Year. That means three wins from four games.

"It's a tough target, but I feel we have the players that are capable of doing it. The league has got to be the priority for now."

Rushden visit the Moss Rose lying second in Division Three.

But the top teams hold no fears for Macc - who have already beaten league leaders Hartlepool this season. Rushden boss Brian Talbot is aiming to take his side up automatically after last season's play-off final defeat to Cheltenham. Local boy Gary Mills - a former Northampton trainee - has won praise for his displays alongside ex-QPR man Stuart Wardley in central midfield.

Jamaica international Paul Hall is a threat on the right side of midfield, while Duane Darby is hoping to return up front after injury.

Last season's top scorer Onandi Lowe still leads the attack, but has had a hit-and-miss season.

Meanwhile, Danny Whitaker has been fined following his sending off at Cambridge.

The midfielder admitted to manager David Moss that he kicked out at Cambridge midfielder Luke Gutteridge during the 3-1 defeat.

Whitaker begins a three-match ban for the red card this Saturday.

David Eaton will be offered a Macclesfield Town contract until the end of the season if manager David Moss can agree a deal with the club's board.

Moss is eager to keep former Everton youngster Eaton, who signed a three-month deal in October after impressing while on non-contract forms.

The manager said: "I've put a recommendation to the board regarding David. I will wait for the outcome and take it from there."