The Silkmen are at the same level as The Brewers at Step 4 albeit they are top of the Northern Premier West and we are third from bottom in the NPL east. Having said that, the reality suggests that the Silkmen have what it takes to guide them back towards the EFL over coming seasons. Harry Fisk was absent having broken a finger whilst on duty for his parent club, Hull City
The match followed a minute’s silence as everybody paid tribute following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 and their programme had a nice touch with an outline of our monarch on the front cover.
The hosts should have taken the lead in the opening seconds as they broke quickly with Kengni powering down the left flank and crossing to Berry who fired wide with the goal at his mercy. Nevertheless, the lesson was there for all to see – Macclesfield were fast, skilful and as a team, cohesive.
On 2 minutes James Beaston launched a high free kick into the box but keeper, Marcelo Pitaluga was ready and plucked the ball from the air. Almost immediately Neil Danns dribbled into the Taddy area and his cross needed only the merest touch; fortunately, there was nobody there to deliver it. Danns then had a go after a swift break from defence again down the left but having had time to look up and choose his spot , the ball was just wide of the far post - a lucky moment for the Brewers.
Danns tried again on 12 minutes but it lacked power as Greg Squire, making his debut for Tadcaster, produced a good, confidence bosting save whilst Tad’s best move, thus far, came as Jack Carr held off three defenders before passing to Jordan Deacey but T’nique Fishley, on the end of the cross, could not find the height to trouble Pitaluga. A long Mark Ferguson throw was headed over by Nathan Curtis.
The Silkmen opened their account on 21 minutes as yet again they broke with pace out of defence and from the half way line Berry carried the ball towards the area before slotting the ball into the far corner - a classic move and excellent finish. 1 – 0.
Berry cleared the bar with his next attempt whilst Carr had a half chance on 28 minutes but could not connect properly with a volley on the 18-yard line. Moments later Macclesfield doubled their lead when Kengni powered down the middle before running between two defenders and slotting the ball home as Squire advanced to narrow the angle . 2 – 0.
Try as they may, the home side could not find a third before the break with Squire making a brave interception at the feet of the impressive Curran. Ferguson had a decent twenty yarder but Pitaluga was well placed.
From the restart , the hosts again took the game to Tadcaster; Kengni was slightly off target as he weaved in from the left but on 50 minutes, Berry found the corner giving Squire no chance.3 – 0.
Credit to the Brewers, they continued to look for a way back but shouts for a penalty resulted in just a free kick from outside the box as Ferguson failed to test the keeper. Fortunately, Curran was then adjudged off side as he slipped the ball beneath Squire following yet another counter attack. Nevertheless on 55 minutes Kengni doubled his tally with a long-range effort. 4 – 0.
Jack Crook replaced Beaston just after the hour mark whilst Macclesfield substituted Kengni and Berry much to the relief of Albion. The momentum of the match continued unabated , however, as Curran opened his account on 67 minutes with a blockbuster which gave Squire no chance. 5 – 0
As Taddy fought to save face, Squire produced a terrific one handed save to deny Curran whilst Carr’s opportunity from distance cleared the bar. Steve Smith replaced Ferguson and Deacey made way for Charlie Jebson-King but nothing would halt the Macclesfield dominance as time ebbed away.
Squire did well to block another goal bound shot but it bounced out to substitute Nicky Maynard who could not miss from close range. 6.-0.
Taddy had a late chance when Smith charged down the right flank and crossed to Carr but the Taddy front runner, who had given his all throughout the match, could not connect . To add insult to injury, Curran then added another in the penultimate minute of the game.
7 – 0
The faces of the Tadcaster players as they left the pitch told the whole story.
Next Saturday, the Brewers travel to Hebburn Town in a re arranged fixture as our original opponents, Long Eaton United, are in FA Cup action
Squire, Johnson, Grant, Beaston (Crook), Fishley, Hartley, Curtis, Cromack, Ferguson, (Smith), Deacey (Jebson-King) , Carr. Subs Not used Howarth, Dyer
Report from John Clothier