Macclesfield Town 0 Accrington Stanley 2

Last updated : 10 March 2009 By Footymad Previewer
Accrington eased their relegation fears with a comfortable 2-0 win against lacklustre Macclesfield.

The visitors' more fluid style negated Macclesfield's long-ball tactics and left the home fans leaving ever more disgruntled.

Macclesfield, however, might have taken the lead in the sixth minute when veteran striker Simon Yeo charged down a Kenny Arthur clearance only to see the ball ricochet inches past the upright.

Accrington nearly scored two minutes later when Maccelsfield keeper Jonny Brain blocked a close-range shot from Craig Lindfield for Shaun Brisley to block the return drive from midfield man Andy Proctor.

Macclesfield's best chance on the game was in the 17th minute when fleet-footed striker Emile Sinclair rounded onto a Brisley long ball before beating his marker Robbie Williams and forcing a full length diving save from the excellent Arthur.

Stanley went close with a Peter Cavanagh free-kick on 30 minutes that flew past the far post but they were not to be denied on 41 minutes when Brain could only parry a shot from Chris Turner for Williams to finish with a clinical shot from a narrow angle.

The Reds looked to have extended their lead on 58 minutes when ex-Macclesfield man John Miles picked out Proctor whose goal-bound header was tapped in by Paul Mullin - but from an off-side position.

35-year-old striker Yeo then twice tested Arthur from the edge of the box before the keeper clawed wide a powerful drive from substitute Izak Reid.

The home side went close again on 87 minutes when Sinclair rose above the defence to meet a cross from Jordan Hadfield only to power the ball inches wide.

Accrington deservedly sealed the game in the 89th minute when Miles picked out Jimmy Ryan who in turn set up Proctor to stroke home from close range.