Macclesfield Town promoted back to the Football League

Macclesfield Town returned to the Football League after a 2-0 win at Eastleigh secured the National League title.

In front of almost 500 travelling fans, a fourth-minute goal from striker Tyrone Marsh after a cross from David Fitzpatrick was followed by a close-range finish from Mitch Hancox on the hour mark. Victory in Saturday’s early kick-off put automatic promotion beyond chasers Tranmere Rovers, who must now negotiate the play-offs.

Macclesfield are managed by John Askey, who has served the club as player and coach since 1984 and is in his second spell in charge of the Silkmen. Askey has defied the odds by operating on one of the lowest budgets in the National League. In February, the club were forced to admit that players and staff were delayed in receiving their wages.

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Since a 15-year spell in the Football League came to an end in 2012, the club, majority owned by local businessman Amar Alkadhi, has struggled for crowds and finance but Askey’s alchemy has converted a squad expected to be little more than mid-table fodder in pre-season into a Football League club by its close.

The promotion push was helped along by Askey being able to make three signings in January, funded by the Silkmen Campaign Fund, which sourced donations from supporters of the Cheshire club, with striker Nathan Blissett – nephew of former England and Watford striker Luther – loaned from Plymouth to partner Marsh in attack.