Oh dear oh dear, just when you want an easy game to get back on track up comes another Banana skin. We have met Macclesfield three times already this season. They struggled early on in the season and looked better than the 2-0 defeat we inflicted upon them. Then came the FA Cup, a dire Sky performance saw the tie at Moss Road end all square. So back at Bescot and we failed to turn up as we handed the Silkmen there first victory and sent them on the road to Chelsea.
So Paul Ince and Macclesfield have us to thank for turning there season around and filling there coffers full of money. It would be nice to have three points off the as a thank you. Pity as I sense they are sensing our blood.
Vital Quotes:
Friendship between the two clubs has been overshadowed by Steve ‘THE FRAUD’ Evans taking exception to DD commenting about the ref and tactics employed by Boston. Views which seem perfectly resonable to the neutral fan who saw the game.
Macclesfield Team News:
The Silkmen are enjoying life outside the relegation zone but defeat at the County ground on saturday may see Paul Ince shuffle his pack.
Robbie Doyle, a former Ireland Under-21 striker, joined the Silkmen until the end of the season but missed out on making the squad for the weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Swindon. He may well get to make his debut against the Saddlers.
Fellow new-boy Nathan D’Laryea did make his bow in that match and the midfielder should keep his place after impressing despite the loss.
Danny Swailes and Matty McNeil did not make the 16 against the Robins and manager Paul Ince must decide whether to reinstate them at the expense of Martin Bullock and John Miles.
Rob Scott (calf) could miss out but Jonny Brain, Andrew Teague and Jimmy McNulty (all broken leg) are definitely sidelined.
Player to watch: John Murphy
The former Blackpool striker has failed to impress in a number of his showings against the Saddlers but has gradually come to life for the Silkmen. His two goals in there last home game against Hereford saw him celebrate by making his loan switch from Blackpool permanent.
The 30-year-old had been on loan at Moss Rose since October, and has scored five goals including a famous equaliser at Premiership champions Chelsea in the FA Cup third round.
Ince said: ‘Murf has been absolutely fantastic. He’s a quality striker and he’s come from Blackpool which is a division higher so he’s got pedigree and he’s doing great for us.’
Murphy, who made 270 appearances for the Seasiders in over seven years with the club and scored 105 goals, has signed a permanent deal with Ince’s side until the end of the season.
Walsall Team News:
Injury will rule out Ian Roper and Alan Picken has let to regain full match fitness so will also be out.
The rest of the squad could make claims for inclusion.
The main choice is to change or not to change. With midfield still the main problem area. To get the balance of strength and creative attaking power. A combination which was evident at Peterborough but has since vanished.
The mental strength is another area which I worry about. In both the Mansfield and Boston games. The players seem to feel that it would be easy to brush the opposition aside and in both cases switched off……lessons must be learnt.
Player to watch: Mark Wright
Had a nightmare in the previous outings against the Silkmen, his last two performances mean he isn’t certain of a starting spot.
If he does he is the man capable of unlocking the defence, it is time for Mark to perform or be dropped.
Match Facts & Stats
Despite been outside the drop zone on goal difference this is a significant improvement for the silkmen who looked dead and burried heading to the conference.
Current form including victories at home over Lincoln (2-1) and Hereford (3-0) show this will be no easy ride.
Ref Watch:
K A Woolmer takes charge, last seen at Grimsby v Walsall, our first defeat of the season……not an omen I hope.
Match Prediction:
I fear tonight is the night we lose our top spot, but I have my prayer mat out hoping for three points and a Peterborough win.
Next Fixtures:
Saturday see’s the lads back at Bescot for the visit of the team that slayed MK Dons 5-0 at the weekend.
Rochdale come to Bescot
