First half show wins it for Macc

A battling second-half display failed to rescue Cheltenham as Macclesfield took the spoils with a first-half double that secured a 2-1 win.

Elvis Hammond handed the Robins a lifeline with a goal on 69 minutes but Macclesfield held on for victory.

The Silkmen took the lead on 27 minutes with a neat goal that sliced through the home side.

Lee Bell lifted the ball into the middle for Ernie Sinclair to flick on and Ricky Sappleton pounced to thread a shot between the legs of keeper Scott Brown.

Macclesfield doubled their advantage two minutes before the break with a stunning strike from John Rooney. Bell's corner was headed out by Frankie Artus only for Rooney to power a 25-yard volley into the back of the net.

Brown was forced into a good save three minutes into the second half when Rooney drilled an effort goalwards following good work from Izak Reid.

But with the introduction of substitute Julian Alsop, the home side slowly edged their way back into contention.

Hammond shot wide from an Alsop header on 59 minutes before Alsop forced an excellent save from Jon Brain moments later.

Hammond did find the net with a neat turn and shot inside the box but the visitors kept their hosts at bay to record their first ever win at Whaddon Road.