STOCKTON TOWN VS MACCLESFIELD FC PREVIEW
COMPETITION: Pitching In Northern Premier League Premier Division – Matchday 7
DATE: Saturday 7 September, 2024
KICK-OFF: 15:00
ENTRY: £11 Adult, £9 Concessions, £5 11-18-year-olds, £3 under-11’s
GROUND: Stockton Town FC, MAP Group UK Stadium, Bishopton Road West, Stockton-on-Tees, TS19 0QD
LIVE UPDATES: @stockton_townfc – Twitter/X
LIVE COMMENTARY: Anchors Radio (mixlr.com)
After delight in the FA Cup last weekend, Stockton Town return to league action, as Macclesfield make the visit to the MAP Group UK Stadium for the first time.
Mikey Roberts’ lone goal was enough to edge past Widnes in the FA Cup last weekend, setting up a tie against National League North newcomers Marine – who beat Macclesfield in the Northern Premier League playoff final to secure promotion last season.
Roberts ran onto a superb flick-on from fellow substitute Elliott Beddow and finished calmly with one of his first touches of the ball to put the Anchors’ name in the hat.
THE OPPOSITION
The Silkmen are currently in their second season in the Northern Premier League, and after finishing second in their debut campaign, they’ll be looking to take that next step in hopes of winning the title this season.
Robbie Savage’s side currently sit third in the league standings, level on points with league leaders Hyde United. They also remain one of four teams in the division without a defeat to their name in the opening six games.
Boasting a squad flooded with talent, ex-EFL and MLS veteran John Rooney, brother of Wayne Rooney, is a key player to watch. He re-joined the club where it all started for him in 2023 and had an immense debut season for the Silkmen.
Other key players for Macclesfield include experienced forward Danny Elliott, who joined the club from Scunthorpe United in summer, versatile captain Paul Dawson, who scored a hattrick off the bench in Macclesfield’s 3-0 FA Cup victory over Tadcaster Albion, and the teams current top scorer Tom Clare, who some fans may recognise from ITV’s Love Island.
The Cheshire-based side also recently unveiled the signing of former Manchester United prodigy D’Mani Mellor, who brings EFL experience to the team at only 23-years-old.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This encounter marks the first ever meeting between the two sides.
FORM GUIDE
Stockton Town: W W L L W
Last Game: Stockton Town 1-0 Widnes
Macclesfield: W D W D W
Last Game: Tadcaster Albion 0-3 Macclesfield
PRE-MATCH QUOTES
Speaking for his Programme notes, Manager Michael Dunwell said:
“I don’t think you would have ever thought that Stockton Town v Macclesfield would be a fixture.
“We have gone through the leagues and we deserve to be in this league.
“Macclesfield did not get out of the league last year and I have stressed that to the players.
“It is a big game but it is one that we will relish and we are looking forward to.”
Words by Jordan Clarke
