Big Mac game and the Bees don't disappoint

The Bees welcomed back Tom Ainsley after a brief spell down south and he slotted straight back into the team, although in a more unusual defensive midfield position.

Macclesfield were clearly ready for the game and controlled possession for a good fifteen minutes. They managed to convert one of these chances as the Macclesfield forward buried a short corner, Sean Stewart perhaps could have stopped it on the post. The Bees, perhaps taking this as a wake up call, went out with intent and it took just a few more minutes before Richard Greenhough added to his tally and buried it, despite Hampton trying to touch it and claim the goal.

Just as it seemed that the Bees had settled, Macclesfield went ahead. In the most unusual of circumstances, Dean Colasurdo saved a shot from the oncoming attacker who then proceeded to swing a kick at it and direct it into the goal. As the whole pitch tuned for a free hit, South Manchester jaws dropped as the umpire had somehow missed it and gave the goal. Even the Macclesfield attacker looked a bit sheepish.

Up at the other end, it seemed the Bees couldn't score even when, well, they DID score. First, a short corner was hit sweetly by Richard Greenhough, it deflected off the defenders shin pad and onto the backboard. Apparently, the first hit was high and it was not given. Just minutes later, Gareth Hampton took a free hit quickly from outside the 25, dribbled it in and placed it into the bottom corner. Disallowed again, ball hadn't travelled 5 metres says the umpire. Frustration set in and the Bees misplaced a few passes before Hampton received it in the D and drilled it home. The relief was obvious and now, it seemed, that the Bees could settle into the game. Macclesfield had other ideas and 5 minutes before the end of the half, from another short corner, the shot took a wicked deflection off Colasurdos stick leaving Souter and Holmes stranded and the away team went 3-2 up at the break.

South Manchester couldn't really believe they were losing this game and other than the first 15 minutes, had completely dominated. The Bees came out in the second half where the movement was much better, especially from Rigby, Smith and Ives on the wings. The Bees finally levelled it up as Hampton slipped a short corner to Blackwood who neatly flicked it past the oncoming keeper. Apparently, he'll be showing us all how to do these at training on Thursday :D

As time went on, the Bees had the vast majority of possession, Macclesfield putting a wall in front and playing on the break. Colasurdo was quiet and it allowed Leonard and Afonje to push forward from full back position. Hampton finally put the Bees ahead and when Simon Lamb scored with 5 minutes to play to make it 5-3, it looked like they would see out the game. Macclesfield made it a nervy finish as another short corner, through the legs of Colasurdo, made it 5-4. The Bees got another short corner in the dying seconds of the game and Sean Smith put the icing on the cake with a reverse sweep to ensure the Bees came out 6-4 victors.

Many positive and negatives and good to get the rust out after a long Christmas break. It was worrying how many shorts were given away and both Colasurdo and his defence will want some of the conceded goals back. Attacking shorts could've been more clinical too, with only a small percentage converted. However, the Bees ran themselves into the ground, every player put 100% into every ball. The passing at times was a joy to behold and the chances created is very promising for future games. At home again next week where the Bees hope to continue their push for the top places.