Nantwich Town were knocked out of the FA Cup away at Macclesfield in a valiant effort against a team two league higher.
The Dabbers defended resolutely in the first half to keep the score at 0-0.
But two second half goals for the hosts were enough for a 2-0 win and ended Nantwich’s stubborn resistance.
Nantwich took almost 300 supporters with them to play the Silkmen knowing a win would mean just one game away from the FA Cup First Round proper.
And they were defending from the off as the hosts striker Etaluku posed problems, forcing Ben Garratt into an early save.
Nantwich enjoyed their first real counter on 31 minutes when Joel Connolly blazed over the bar in a promising opening half an hour for the men in green.
Garratt was then called upon to make a smart stop from a Dawson snapshot, before the rebound was put wide.
Then a ball over the top by Byron Moore found Connolly with a chance to give Nantwich a shock lead but he fired wide.
After the break, Macclesfield again dominated possession and this time made it count just four minutes into the second half.
The ball nicely for Josh Kay who cracked his effort across Garratt and into the net.
Kay continued to have chances for the hosts, firing wide and over on a couple of occasions as the hosts pushed for a second.
On 70 minutes they thought they had that second but it was ruled out for a foul in the box.
But just seven minutes, they sealed the victory when the Dabbers defence was exposed and Elliott was left with simple tap in from close range to make it 2-0.
Macclesfield wasted a couple more chances but Nantwich ran out of steam and were unable to pose a danger.
Nantwich boss Jon Moran praised his players’ efforts who also thanked their loyal travelling support on the final whistle.
(Pics courtesy of Jonathan White)
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