Macclesfield boss hails 'best win of the season' as Silkmen close in on title

The Silkmen, all-but-certain to earn promotion to the National League North, were forced to dig deep against a Rylands side that saw their 12-game unbeaten run come to an end in midweek.

The Blues hit the front with 11 minutes gone, but Danny Elliott soon responded from the penalty spot.

A half-time adjustment saw Macclesfield switch from their usual four-man backline to a 5-3-2 shape, and it paid dividends as second-half goals from Tre Pemberton and D'Mani Mellor steered the visitors to all three points.

"It was a magnificent performance from every one of us," Savage said post-match.

"That's our best win of the season, make no mistake about it. Neil Reynolds has got a fantastic team. They were very good in the first half and made us change shape.  

"We had to make that tactical change, then in the second half, I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game.

"In the first half, they caused us lots of problems and could've scored two or three."

After the game, Savage was quick to praise former FC United of Manchester boss Reynolds, who has overseen an upturn in form which has guided Rylands away from relegation fears and in with a chance of reaching the play-offs.  

Savage has also earmarked the Blues as dark horses for promotion, should they force their way into the top five before the season's end.

"I'm not sure how many people were here today, but it was played in good spirits and they've seen a brilliant game of football between two very good sides," he added.

"I really hope that Warrington can get into those play-offs, because here [at the Hive Arena], they can beat anybody.

"When we play against other clubs, I look at how managers conduct themselves. [Warrington Rylands] play a certain way, and they're so good at it.

"At 1-1, I would've taken a point at half-time. Neil Reynolds is always complimentary about us, but people should say how good his team are."

Saturday's result, coupled with dropped points for nearest challengers Guiseley, mean Macclesfield hold a sizeable 22-point cushion at the top of the Northern Premier League table with 10 games remaining.

And although promotion looks a near certainty, Savage has refused to let his players take their foot off the gas as they look to become the first team to reach the 100-point mark in the Northern Premier League's top division since Blyth Spartans achieved the feat during the 2016/17 season - when there were 46 games played per season, as opposed to 42.

“Nothing's won yet," said Savage, who has enjoyed a memorable first season in management. 

"I said that I wanted 11 wins from 11. Now it's 10 wins from 10. Let's keep our foot down and keep that momentum. We haven't got to worry about anyone else, it's about us.

"This group, if we go up, can challenge for the league above. I really do [think that]. I might be totally wrong, but that's how much belief I've got in them.

"Not only do we want to win the league, we want to break trough the 100-point barrier and 100-goal barrier. I'm not letting them rest.

"No stone is being left unturned to get where we want to be."