Macclesfield U21 Ladiesโ couldnโt of started their season off any better, with a 2-1 against the league favourites will help them push for something special this year.
Celeste Gordon being the difference in this game against Middlesbrough scoring two and looking a real threat from the left flank. The tricky winger will look to increase her goal tally either further this year.
After losing out on the league title last year, this Macclesfield team will be making sure they can go all the way. League leaders Middlesbrough put up a tough battle but couldnโt break down the U21s like they would of wanted.
It was a quiet first twenty minutes with not too many efforts on goal, Megan Cardenas had a chance to break the deadlock from a freekick but on this rare occasion she wasnโt able to beat the wall.
Soon after the Middlesbrough number nine was played through on goal but a tame effort allowed Emily Borg to make the save.
The goal that awakened the game came from nearabout nothing, a deep freekick from just beyond the half way line was launched into the box by Dids Parish, Hungry to score Celeste Gordon was able to point the ball in the direction of the goal just to help it crawl into the back of it net. Middlesbrough were asleep and they faced the consequences.
Although, the goal celebrations didnโt last long as Middlesbrough, just a minute later, get back into the game. Their seem to be trusty number 9 struck one from outside of the box and catching the keeper off guard, it flew over Borg and into the net. Middlesbrough are back in it.
Both teams seemed to settle down after a hectic few minutes, back and fourth trying to secure the lead. However, both defences were solid throughout the game.
A pass out to Gordon allows her to take a brilliant first touch to drop her fullback on the edge of the box to then gain some space to strike to ball into the far corner, itโs a perfectly taken goal from an already confident Celeste Gordon.
Macclesfield go into half time 2-1 up and full of confidence as they know theyโve got the better of this highly rated Middlesbrough side.
It was an untroubled start to the second half, a couple of good chances in quick succession from Macclesfield went begging from Jenny Murcia and Zoe Lam.
Middlesbrough again tried to work the ball into the goal but Macclesfieldโs defence was always one step ahead and on the rare occasion they did, goalkeeper Emily Borg was equal to anything thrown at her.
Confidence flying for the U21s as they take the win, a promising start for the Macclesfield ladiesโ.
They will look to carry on their form into their next game away against Wath U21s.
By Morgan Saunders