On paper it should be a comfortable win for Robbie Savage’s team – but who knows?
Macclesfield’s record so far: P39, W32. D4, L3, F99, A29, Pts 100.
Ilkeston’s record so far: P39, W17, D11, L11, F66. A50. Pts 62.
A 3,500 gate is expected at the Leasing.com stadium.
Ilkeston’s L’Varn Brandy appears to be not taking part in the warmup. That’s a blow if he’s not playing.
There’s a guard of honour waiting for the players by flag waving Macclesfield juniors.
Brandy IS playing.
We’re off!
Macclesfield on top from the start. They want a quick goal.
Dontai Gabidon stopped illegally. Fortunately the free kick goes high and wide.
An Ilkeston attack brings a strong penalty appeal – not given.
Ref deigns to give us a corner instead,
Sean Etaluku creates a chance for Macclesfield but Ilkeston keeper Yates make a good save.
Brandy, helping in defence, keeps the Maccs at bay.
Tricky winger Etaluku is showing himself as Macc danger man. Sam Parker does well to fend him off.
Great header from Rollin Menayese but Yates is equal to it.
The hosts are on top.
Sam Parker is defending really well for Ilkeston – up against really good forward Etaluku.
Ilkeston are pinned back most of the time – Yates to the rescue every five minutes!
Macc goalkeeper Max Dearnley has a rare moment with the ball saving from an Ilkeston free kick.
Then Jamie Walker tries to catch him off guard but the shot goes wide.
Half time: 0-0.
Second half begins.
Ilkeston have been up against it so far but they’re attacking the goal where their supporters are this half.
Excitement as Brandy breaks into Macc area but he is dispossessed.
Macc win a corner and then a free kick – but Yates continues to keep out their efforts.
Brilliant catch by Yates under pressure.
Macc are bringing on fresh legs. They have some very good players on their bench.
An attack by Ilkeston! Daniel’s shot is deflected wide. Nothing comes from the corner.
I think it’s Daniel who gets a yellow now for a nothing foul won by the crowd.
Walker tries a long shot which goes wide.
Ilkeston changes: Dixon and Charles replaced by Abdulla and Stevens.
Good defending Tom Marshall. And again.
Macc seem to be getting loads of free kicks.
An Ilkeston attack brings a headed clearance from goalie Max Dearnley who is out of his area.
Macc go close to scoring on the counter – it was either a great save by Yates or a post hit (or both!)
GOAL for Macclesfield. They finally score through John Rooney. 1-0. 80 mins.
Kirby-Moore and Hardwick replace Brandy and Meikle.
GOAL for Macclesfield. 82 mins. D’Mani Mellor Macc 2 Ilkeston 0.
GOAL for Macclesfield. 87 mins. Danny Elliott (89′) Macc 3 Ilkeston 0.
Terrible collapse by Ilkeston.
Rooney goes close with a belter just wide.
GOAL for Macclesfield, 90+3 mins. Danny Elliott (90′) Macc 4 Ilkeston 0
Nightmare finish for Ilkeston.
Full time Macclesfield 4 Ilkeston 0
