Stalemate at the Hive

The Bees and Macclesfield played out an entertaining 4-4 draw, leaving the Bees in 2nd but losing ground on the league leaders.

The game started in a much slower pace than SMHC usually play, obviously missing the pace of Stephenson, Rigby and Hornsby. However, it was the Bees who took the lead when a dazzling run by captain Hampton was finished well into the corner. It didn't take long before Macclesfield equalised when a short corner was hit accurately to the injector who did well to deflect it up and into the net. With only 12 players to begin with, it got worse for the Bees as Blackwood made his way to hospital with a suspected broken finger and it's expected he'll be out until after Christmas at least.

Another short corner for Macclesfield put the visitors ahead. This time, Colasurdo got a touch on the shot and as it rolled towards goal, Scholes and Stewart got the ball caught between them and under their feet and the away striker made the most of the opportunity to tap home. The Bees battled on and Afonje, in an unusual left wing position, tracked back often to help Leonard and Bottomley played his usual centre midfield anchor role to perfection. Good build up on the right from Ainsley found Greenhough in the D and his ball across allowed Afonje to sweep home his 4th of the season, a great goal considering he was under pressure from 3 defenders.

Half time, 2-2.

SMHC tried to up the pace in the 2nd half but it was the away team who started brighter. Another short corner, this time drilled into the bottom left of Colasurdo's goal, neither him nor Stewart on the post could do anything about it. Greenhough pulled it back to 3-3 after a quick ball into the D from Smith that the defence didn't expect and when the Yorkshireman made it 4-3, it looked like the Bees might just snatch all 3 points. It wasn't to be, however, as Macclesfield pushed to get themselves back into the game. A good run on the right from the away team allowed a chance for the striker. It was saved by the Bees keeper and onto the bar where it deflected straight to the waiting winger. To many, it looked like he controlled with his foot before tapping in and it was unfortunate not to be spotted by the umpire. Another chance, with just minutes to go, gave Hampton a clean through opportunity but a cynical, deliberate kick from the Macclesfield defender broke the play up. The umpire being very lenient to only show a green.

The game ended 4-4 and most thought that a draw reflected the game well. Man of the Match went to Scholes for many challanges to thwart the opponent attacks. DoD went to Smith. There were various reasons and I'm sure vomiting in the Chairmans garden a week before didn't help either! Two more away games before the Christmas break and the Bees will hope to continue their form with an away day at bottom of the league Deeside next Saturday.