Rooney era kicks off with tough Stags tie

MACCLESFIELD FC began their preseason campaign by welcoming League One outfit Mansfield Town to the Leasing. com Stadium in temperatures surpassing 30°C.

- NOAH WAKEFIELD

But the Stags' experience got the better of John Rooney's Silkmen in his first game in charge, allowing them to strike either side of the interval and secure a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Macc's matchday squad incorporated a number of trialists, while new signing Isaac Buckley-Ricketts was also handed his debut.

Newest recruit Josef Yarney was in attendance but did not make the squad.

A composed opening ten minutes saw the Silks knock the ball around Nigel Clough's XI in an attempt to carve out a sight at goal.

Buckley-Ricketts was first to do so when he took aim from 25 yards, looking to catch the attention of the Macc fans by aiming for the top-right corner, though the former Curzon Ashton man could only curl his effort into the away terrace.