Match Ratings - Macclesfield Town A

Last updated : 16 August 2009 By Jacob Daniel
Starting Line-Up

Russell Hoult - 7 - Pretty difficult to rate Hoult really as we could probably have stuck Delroy Facey in goal and still kept a clean sheet. Hoult is likely to lose his place to Kasper Schmeichel soon, but he did very little wrong apart from letting a couple of crosses fly across the box.

Brendan Moloney - 7 - Looks a more and more impressive capture with every match, Moloney wasn't outstanding but did everything required of him. Had a ridiculously quiet afternoon defensively, allowing him to get forward a lot and support attacks, putting some dangerous balls into the box.

Graeme Lee - 6 - A sad afternoon for Lee who limped off just before the half hour mark after his groin injury flared up. Didn't do anything wrong when he was on the pitch and looked solid.

John Thompson - 8 - Despite being flattened by an elbow and sustaining a broken nose, captain John Thompson was brilliant at the heart of the Notts defence. Had Ben Wright and Matt Tipton in his back pocket, winning everything that came his way. Also set Notts on the attack with some good passing.

Stephen Hunt - 6 - Another solid outing for Stephen Hunt who seems to have made the left back position his own after a third straight start. Was good in possession and in the air, bagging himself a goal from a set piece, but sometimes struggled with the pace and trickery of Izak Reid.

Craig Westcarr - 8 - Another top notch performance from Westcarr who is rapidly repaying Ian McParland's faith in the ex-Kettering man. Pacy and skillful, Westcarr gave Macclesfield's left back a tough time and his delivery is so much better than Myles Weston's it's frightening. Topped it off by linking up with Karl Hawley for a well taken goal.

Ricky Ravenhill - 9 - Possibly looking like the Magpies' most impressive capture, midfielder Ravenhill was superb at Moss Rose. Every time Macc appeared to gain half a yard of space he flew in to stop the attack and came away with the ball, whilst he is also more than competent in possession.

Neal Bishop - 7 - The third Notts player to pick up an injury, Bishop was having a great game before going off with a suspected broken rib. With the ball he was calm and composed, whilst also not shirking any challenges.

Ben Davies - 8 - By far his best performance in the black and white stripes so far, Davies was impressive both on the left and when given a chance in the centre. His brilliant set piece delivery got him two assists whilst his vision and passing was exemplary.

Lee Hughes - 7 - Worked hard upfront and held up the ball well, but he will be disappointed not to have got another goal for himself. Missed a couple of good headed chances at the far post that by his standards he would expect to at least test the goalkeeper from.

Luke Rodgers - 8 - Fast becoming an absolutely vital part of the Notts team, Rodgers may not be a natural goalscorer but his industry and sheer work rate means that he is indispensable for the club. Chases every single thing that comes within his range and can also go past players with the ball at his feet, with a good cross at the end to match.

Substitutes

Mike Edwards - 7 - Came on for Graeme Lee and fitted seamlessly into the side, although Notts were rarely put under any pressure by their hosts. Sometimes shaky in possession as ever, this wasn't noticeable thanks to Edwards' perfect defensive performance, marshalling the contrasting threats of Ben Wright and Emile Sinclair well.

Jamie Clapham - 6 - A half-time subsitute for Neal Bishop, Clapham once again found himself on the left wing and didn't look totally comfortable. Undoubtedly quality in possession and with a sweet left foot, Clapham is good going forward but looks lost on the wing when Notts don't have the ball. Tends to drift inside too much and left Stephen Hunt exposed to the threat of Izak Reid's pace too often.

Karl Hawley - 7 - Once again only given a short cameo and once again not quite showing enough to prove himself worthy of a starting berth, Hawley did at least impress in his brief appearance. Strong on the ball and with a good first touch, he linked up well and set up Westcarr's goal with a clever through ball.