Stockton Town were edged out by Macclesfield as a Justin Johnson first-half goal was enough to separate the two sides.
Michael Dunwell named three changes to the side that progressed in the FA Cup last weekend, with Arjun Purewal and Cameron Painter returning to the starting lineup, alongside Elliott Stephenson who made his Stockton Town debut in between the sticks.
1,419 fans made their way through the gates at the MAP Group UK Stadium, which marks the highest attendance at the ground for a league game.
Both sides took time to settle into the game, after a few half chances, the Silkmen nearly found an opener when a low cross found the feet of John Rooney, but the midfielder curled his effort wide.
The Anchors were next to have a good chance when Michael Fowler was played in behind, and after working hard to fend off a trailing defender, he fired a strike over the crossbar.
Stockton’s biggest chance of the half came in the 25th minute, when a weak clearance fell to Glen Butterworth on the edge of the area, whose shot glanced narrowly wide of the bottom corner.
But it was Macclesfield who took the lead four minutes before the break when Justin Johnson powered in a strike from the right-wing after some fine solo work to create space.
Half-time: Stockton Town 0-1 Macclesfield
Stockton had the first opportunity when Glen Butterworth fed a ball through to Michael Fowler whose shot was deflected into the hands of Max Dearnley.
Josh Baggs was next to have a good chance when he was given room to drive forward down the right-wing, he went for goal himself and a dipping effort bounced inches wide of the target.
Elliott Stephenson pulled out a fine stop in the 66th minute when he used his feet to reject a strike from a few yards away.
Following the save, a minor brawl inside the box led to the dismissal of Adam Nicholson, amid confusion around the ground.
Elliott Stephenson pulled off his best save of the afternoon in the 89th minute when he reacted quickly to a header inside the box to tip it onto the crossbar and eventually away from danger.
Full-time: Stockton Town 0-1 Macclesfield
Stockton narrowly miss out on points against a very strong Macclesfield side, but get to make amends in midweek with a trip to Lancaster City on Tuesday evening.
Stockton Town: Stephenson, Purewal (Beddow 62’), Baggs, Butterworth, Nicholson, Coulthard, King, Painter, Fowler (Roberts 72’), Thompson (Henry 71’), Leech (Sweet 57’)
Unused Subs: Johnson
Macclesfield: Dearnley, Pemberton, Lee (Kengni 86’), Rooney, Mendy, Heathcote (Fensome 77’), Johnson, Dawson, Elliott (Duffus 70’), Curran (Mellor 62’), Duffy (Maieco 86’)
Unused Subs: N/A
Goals: Johnson, 0-1, 42 min
Attendance: 1,419
Words: Jordan Clarke
Photo: Harry Cook
