FANS FLOCK IN FOR FOOTY FIX

PRE-SEASON FRIENDLIES ROUND-UP

- David Richardson

MACCLESFIELD were denied victory by a late own-goal as fans returned to the Moss Rose for the first time to see their phoenix club.

Last September, Macclesfield Town were wound-up over debts exceeding £500,000, ending 146 years of history.

Local businessman Robert Smethurst, a month later, founded the new club which will kick off in the North West Counties Premier Division on July 31.

Macc legend and player-boss Danny Whitaker has led several friendlies this summer, but a clash against Ashton United yesterday was their first on home soil in front of supporters.

They had barely stopped celebrating Edy Maieco’s opener at the beginning of the second half before Ashton defender Harry Spratt turned the ball into his own net two minutes later.

However, Harvey Macadam pulled one back for the NPL Premier side and then, with four minutes left, a Macc player scored an own-goal from a corner.

The annual pre-season clash between Kidsgrove Athletic and Port Vale was won 2-0 by the League Two side, thanks to goals in each half from James Wilson and Eden Bailey.