Source: FOOTYMAD
The S24 Preview: F.A. Cup First Round - Macclesfield Town v Southend United
Not long now till the long trip north and the first round of the cup, always a magic day, and Silkmen v Shrimpers on Saturday, November 6th, kick-off 15.00. F.A. Cup First Round: Macclesfield Town v Southend United - Saturday, November 6th; kick-off 15.00 v SHRIMPERSBlues boss Paul Sturrock will be hoping Craig Easton is fit enough to start after Michel Timlin's return to parent club Swindon. Also gone is Waide Fairhurst, back to Doncaster. Centre-backs Chris Barker (calf) and Mark Phillips (groin) are out, and left-back Peter Gilbert is suspended. The Johnny Herd saga and other Luggy witterings is best read about here:www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/sturrock_on_shrimpers_selection_were_going_to_have_to_come_up_with_something_weird_and_wonderful_575595/index.shtmlWe also have a couple of new strikers on loan but I'm not sure if they can play in the Cup but I'm putting them on the bench, seeing as Luggy wants Matt Paterson and Scott Spencer out, Scott having a run out this week with Dagenham & Redbridge I'm told! www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/southend_united_sign_oxford_striker_jack_midson_on_loan_until_new_year_575623/index.shtmlwww.southendunited-mad.co.uk/news/tmnw/southend_united_sign_qpr_youngster_antonio_german_on_a_months_loan_575629/index.shtmlEnjoy the game those heading up the M6, I'm going for a 1-0 win, and why not! Possible Southend United: Morris, Clohessy, Mohsni, Coughlan, Herd, Simpson, Grant, Easton, Soares, Corr, Sturrock. Subs: Evans, Ferdinand, Prosser, Hall, Crawford, Midson, German. COME ON YOU BLUES!!!!!OPPOSITION Silkmen boss Gary Simpson has a few injuries ahead of the Cup tie.Striker Emile Sinclair (hamstring strain), midfielder Richard Butcher (knee) and defender Shaun Brisley (hip) are all out. Striker Ricky Sappleton is a doubt after his injured knee swelled up in the warm-up before Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Rotherham, and he played no part in the game.Defender Paul Morgan said: "It was a great point and hopefully more reason for the players to really start believing in themselves." 11Crewe Alexandra 153321991421313474322219+1012Aldershot Town 152326824289474141719-313Macclesfield Town 153138102331012546182219-414Burton Albion 15431136034610465191618+315Oxford United 15314108142610456161817-216Southend United 1431381021477527151717-217Morecambe 15251118205816456192417-5Last time Out: (Home) Macclesfield Town 2 Burton Albion 1 (played Saturday, October 30th, 2010):www.mtfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10393~51715,00.html(Away) Rotherham United 1 Macclesfield Town 1 (played Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010): www.mtfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10393~51747,00.htmlPREVIOUSLY At Macclesfield (6)At Southend Utd. (6) ResultsTotal% ResultsTotal% Macclesfield233.33 Southend Utd.6100.00 Southend Utd.350.00 Macclesfield00.00 Draws116.67 Draws00.00 GoalsTotalAv.pg GoalsTotalAv.pg Macclesfield61.00 Southend Utd.111.83 Southend Utd.71.17 Macclesfield20.33On Neutral Ground (0)Overall (12 matches) ResultsTotal% ResultsTotal% Macclesfield00.00 Macclesfield216.67 Southend Utd.00.00 Southend Utd.975.00 Draws00.00 Draws18.33 GoalsTotalAv.pg GoalsTotalAv.pg Macclesfield00.00 Macclesfield80.67 Southend Utd.00.00 Southend Utd.181.50Records Highest Aggregate4Southend Utd. 3 - 1 Macclesfield2000/2001 Highest Macclesfield score:2Macclesfield 2 - 1 Southend Utd.2002/2003 Highest Southend Utd. score:3Southend Utd. 3 - 0 Macclesfield2001/2002 SeasonDateHomeScoreAwayCompetition 2004/2005Tue 19 AprMacclesfield1 - 2Southend Utd.League Two Mon 30 AugSouthend Utd.2 - 1MacclesfieldLeague Two 2003/2004Sat 28 FebSouthend Utd.1 - 0MacclesfieldLeague Division Three Sat 25 OctMacclesfield1 - 2Southend Utd.League Division Three 2002/2003Sat 01 MarMacclesfield2 - 1Southend Utd.League Division Three Sat 14 SepSouthend Utd.1 - 0MacclesfieldLeague Division Three 2001/2002Sat 20 AprMacclesfield0 - 0Southend Utd.League Division Three Fri 09 NovSouthend Utd.3 - 0MacclesfieldLeague Division Three 2000/2001Sat 21 AprMacclesfield1 - 0Southend Utd.League Division Three Sat 04 NovSouthend Utd.3 - 1MacclesfieldLeague Division Three 1999/2000Fri 03 MarSouthend Utd.1 - 0MacclesfieldLeague Division Three Sat 11 SepMacclesfield1 - 2Southend Utd.League Division ThreeGROUNDEven with the recent developments at the ground, it is still on the smallish side, with a bit of a non league feel about it. One side is predominantly uncovered terracing, with the small seated Silk FM 'Main' Stand sitting in the middle. This type of stand, is a classic design, once common across the country, but many have since disappeared with re-development. Although it is old looking it was in fact opened in 1968. It is though unusual to see such a stand that doesn't have any supporting pillars running across the front of it. On the other side is the covered, single tiered Alfred McAlpine Stand, which was opened in March 2001. This smart looking all seated stand with a hospitality area to its rear, has greatly improved the overall look of the ground. The Star Lane End is a relatively new covered stand, that is a strange mix of seating and terracing. Strange and unusual in having a terrace area behind the seating area. Apparently seating was added to the terrace in this way, so that the Club could fulfil the then Football League's rules concerning the number of seats that a Club ground needed to be admitted into the Football League. Opposite is the open terraced Silkman End, which is given to away supporters. In one corner of the ground there is a basic looking electric scoreboard which sits on top of the Police Control Box, next to the Star Lane End. The ground also a set of unusual looking floodlights. Away fans are primarily located in the open Silkman End, where up to 1,500 fans can be accommodated. Additionally, 403 seats are made available in the new Alfred McAlpine Stand, which sits at one side of the pitch. The seating may well be a better bet, as this stand is covered and the facilities new. Oddly you gain access to this relatively new stand by going through a rather old looking turnstile. However, once inside you should be impressed with the excellent facilities on offer. From your seat you can also enjoy the views of the rolling countryside stretching away behind the Main Stand. The view of the playing action and the atmosphere within the ground are both pretty good, with some enjoyable banter between the two sets of supporters. Macclesfield is generally a good ground to visit and an enjoyable day out as well, being hassle free and friendly on both my visits. For certain games, only the seating area will be made available to away fans.(Ground information supplied by www.footballgroundguide.com)TICKETSIt's pay on the day, prices here: SeatingAdults - £14, Concessions - £10, Under-16 - £3, Under-12 - free.Terrace Adults - £10, Concessions - £6, Under-16 - £3, Under-12 - free.WEATHERGetting chiller up north; 8c's and some light rain.REF The man in the middle is another rookie ref in Bobby Madley from Ossett in West Yorkshire.A full interview with him here: http://refworld.com/referee/2233/2/robert-madleyHis assistants are Mark Jones from Nottingham and Mike Salisbury from Penwortham (Lancashire); the 4th official is Scott Oldham from Blackpool.FIXTURESFriday, November 5th - F.A. Cup First RoundRochdale v FC United Manchester; kick-off 19.45 Live on ESPN.Saturday, November 6th - F.A Cup First RoundColchester United v Bradford City, Corby Town v Luton Town, Harrow Borough v Chesterfield, Notts County v Gateshead, Stevenage v MK Dons, Rotherham United v York City, Havant & Waterlooville v Droylsden, Bury v Exeter City, Cheltenham Town v Morecambe, Hayes & Yeading v Wycombe Wanderers, Dagenham & Redbridge v Leyton Orient, Wimbledon v Ebbsfleet United, Lincoln City v Nuneaton Town, Mansfield Town v Torquay United, Hereford United v Hythe Town, AFC Bournemouth v Tranmere Rovers, Chelmsford City v Hendon or Metropolitan Police, Swindon Supermarine v Eastwood Town, Rushden & Diamonds v Yeovil Town, Southampton v Shrewsbury Town, Cambridge United v Huddersfield Town, Gillingham v Dover Athletic, Tamworth or Grimsby v Crewe Alexandra, Darlington v Bristol Rovers, Guiseley v Crawley Town, Brighton & Hove Albion v Woking, Macclesfield Town v Southend United, Carlisle United v Sheffield or Tipton, Dartford v Port Vale, Forest Green Rovers v Northampton Town, Fleetwood Town v Walsall, Barnet v Charlton Athletic, Plymouth Argyle v Swindon Town, Accrington Stanley v Oldham Athletic, Hartlepool United v Vauxhall Motors, Stockport County v Peterborough United, Brentford v Aldershot Town.Sunday, November 7th - F.A Cup First RoundSouthport v Sheffield Wednesday; kick-off 12.00 Live on ITVBurton Albion v Oxford United; kick-off 15.00.BETMacclesfield (to win) - 13/10, Draw - 5/2, Southend (to win) - 21/10. For all the footy odds go here: www.oddschecker.com/football/english/league-two/TRANSPORTFor the Silkmen's own very useful travel guide, go here:www.mtfc.co.uk/page/MossRose/0,,10393,00.htmlBy Train go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw5/fa_cup_first_round_macclesfield_town_573763/index.shtmlBy Car go here: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk/feat/edw3/fa_cup_first_round_macclesfield_573782/index.shtmlBy Coach go here: www.southendunitedmad.co.uk/feat/edw3/fa_cup_first_round_macclesfield_573782/index.shtmlPUB AND PIESFor the best drinking around the ground and in the town go here: www.southendunitedmad.co.uk/feat/edw8/hunt_the_golden_lion_pub_crawl_in_macclesfield_575641/index.shtmlFor an overnight stay: www.southendunitedmad.co.uk/feat/edw1/fa_cup_first_round_macclesfield_town_573316/index.shtmlHistory A football club was first formed in Macclesfield in the mid-19th century, but played rugby union rules. In 1874, the club adopted the rules of the Football Association. Between 1874 and 1940 the club was known by a succession of names, including Macclesfield Football and Athletic Club, Hallifield F.C. and Macclesfield F.C. When competitive football resumed after World War II, Macclesfield Town Football Club Ltd. was formed and the club gained their current name.The club joined the Cheshire County League in 1946-47, playing their first game after reformation on 31 August, 1946, a 2-0 defeat to Buxton.The club's form in the remainder of the 1940s was largely indifferent, with the exception of a Cheshire League Challenge Cup win in 1948. The 1950s proved more successful, with four trophies in as many years from 1951-1954, including the club's first Cheshire League title in 20 years in 1953, though the team's fortunes faded in the latter half of the decade.In March 2004, with relegation to the Conference threatening, Macclesfield turned to the experienced 55-year-old Brian Horton to take charge. Horton, whose previous manager's jobs were with Oxford United, Brighton and Hove Albion, Manchester City, Huddersfield Town and Port Vale, reinvigorated Macclesfield. A finish of fifth for the 2004-05 season resulted in a playoff place, but the team were eliminated in the semi-finals by Lincoln City.However, 2005-06 proved disappointing with the team failing to build on the previous season's progress, finishing an undistinguished 17th. Horton was sacked by the club in late September 2006, following a dismal start to the season in which Horton failed to secure a win in the twelve games prior to his dismissal, leaving the club bottom of the Football League.On October 23, 2006, former Manchester United, Inter and England player Paul Ince was confirmed as Macclesfield's new player-manager. He lost his first match in charge 3-2 to Mansfield Town, and it took Macclesfield until twenty games into the season to record their first league win under Ince on December 5, 2006. This was a 1-0 win against Rochdale at the Moss RoseThe team then went on a nine match unbeaten run, which not only gave Paul Ince his first manager of the month award when he was League Two Manager of the Month for December 2006, the Silkmen also earned themselves a cup tie against champions Chelsea F.C. away in the 3rd round of the FA Cup al la Southend who had a slightly better day out three years later.Despite their fantastic away support and performance on the day, Macclesfield Town lost 6-1. Most of this was attributed to the decision to send off Macclesfield goalkeeper Tommy Lee, after Shevchenko clearly dived and which replays have shown since to be inconclusive to merit a red card, with many believing that, in the spirit of the FA Cup, a red card was unwarranted.The game is still talked about on the terraces of the Moss Rose, especially the goal John Murphy scored to level the score in the first half and the save made by defender and captain Dave Morley against Andriy Shevchenko in the second half. True FA Cup magic even if the result proved not to be.They were then just able to survive after drawing 1-1 with Notts County on the final day of the 2006-07 season, after a poor run of results landed the team back in the relegation zone. This game also saw the last appearance of Paul Ince as a professional footballer.Following the departure of Paul Ince, who left the club to become MK Dons manager earlier in the month, Ian Brightwell was announced as the new manager on 29 June 2007, with Asa Hartford as his assistant for the 2007-08 season. Macclesfield started the 2007-08 season away with a 1-1 draw to former Premier League club Bradford City and narrowly lost 1-0 to another former Premier League team Leeds United in the first round of the League Cup.In January 2008, Chairman Rob Bickerton left the club after 7 years of services to join Shrewsbury. He was replaced by club supporter Mike Rance, with ex-player Andy Scott, founder of Bank Fashion Retail stores, as Vice-Chairman.27 February 2008 Keith Alexander was named as manager until the end of the season, replacing Ian Brightwell who left the club immediately with his assistant Asa Hartford. The change was due to a poor run of results, which left the club 1 place and two points above the relegation places. Alexander kept the Silkmen in League 2 following a run of four wins and three draws in nine games and was awarded a new two-year contract.On 30 November 2008, Macclesfield were drawn against Premier League giants Everton FC in the third round of the F.A Cup. Everton prevailed by a 1-0 scoreline on January 3, 2009 but Macclesfield were certainly not outclassed and even had their own chances when Nat Brown missed a seemingly simple header in front of the Star Lane End. Leon Osman's terrific strike sealed the game for the Toffees in the first half. The game was greatly appreciated by a capacity crowd of 6,332 at the Moss Rose.On 3 March 2010, Macclesfield Town announced that manager Keith Alexander had died at the age of 53. Alexander, who suffered a brain aneurysm in November 2003, died after arriving home from the League Two match at Notts County.On 13 April 2010, Macclesfield Town announced Gary Simpson as manager on a two-year contract.(For the full history of the club up to the present day, go here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macclesfield_Town)
