Winless in six, Exeter City would be hosting bottom of the table Macclesfield in a great chance to regain some of their early season form. However, the Silkmen will have gone into the fixture buoyed off the thrill of a 1-0 over Yeovil and appointment of ex-Invincible Sol Campbell as manager.
It was clear that winger Elliot Durrell was keen to impress the new manager as he instinctively run at the opposition with a crisp shot that flew past Pym’s post in the opening play.
However, it quickly became evident what end of the table both sides were with Sweeney and Stockley both coming close in the first 15 minutes. All the pressure seemed like it had paid off when Stockley knocked down a Croll long ball to Jonathan Forte, but the Barbadian fired his left-foot shot miles over the bar.
Macclesfield’s defensive shape was holding firm though, with the Exeter nearly being caught out on the break as a teasing long ball from Harry Smith caught out a hesitant Pym. Fortunately for the City number 1 his blushes were spared when Durrell could only find the side netting.
The half hour mark seemed to spark the game into life with City Peppering O’Hara’s box with crosses. However, a tame header into O’Hara’s arms by Sweeney and a weak penalty claim from Nicky Law.
The Macclesfield threat always felt present with winger Durrell having the better Moxey down the right-hand side. Macclesfield were in the ascendency with half-time looming but their efforts to give Harry Smith a chance on goal remained unsuccessful.
The second half took a while to get going but the 24 travelling fans were rewarded for their long trip in the 53rd minute. It was no surprise where the goal came from either as Durrell once again got down the wing to see his cross turned in by the ever-lively Harry Smith.
This forced Matt Taylor into a panicked double substitution as Ogbene and Abrahams replaced Tillson and Forte. However, the changes did nothing to break down a resolute Macclesfield Town. After 10 minutes of very little going forward fans would expect Taylor to bring on Lee Martin, but the final city change was spent on bringing on left back Craig Woodman for Luke Croll.
Exeter thought they had finally broken Macclesfield down when a Nicky Law cross found the head of O’Shea but O’Hara was glad see it narrowly skip past his post. This proved to be the last real chance of the game with the last 15 being shut down by Macclesfield.
Boos rung out in the Big Bank at the final whistle with the home fans letting the Grecians know what they think of their winless form. As for Macclesfield, new boss Sol Campbell will be excited to coach a team who have now won two on the bounce.
Attendance (Away): 3070 (24)
