The New Saints were back in action at Park Hall this afternoon, hosting Macclesfield in a pre-season friendly, following winning the UEFA Champions League in Montenegro on Tuesday.
It proved to be a helpful practice to keep the whole squad going ahead of another crucial encounter against Ferencváros in three days, even if the team was primarily composed of players who were not involved in the recent European matches.
Less than three minutes had passed before the Saints had the opportunity to take the lead, but Trialist B was denied by visiting goalkeeper Max Dearnley, who made a great save to stop them.
Tom Jones had a fantastic opportunity to break the deadlock with 20 minutes remaining, but Danny Whitehead slid in to make a crucial block after Jones unleashed a volley from the edge of the 6-yard box.
Four minutes later, Jack Edwards made an incredible one-handed stop to deny Justin Johnson a long range shot, and the ensuing corner was effectively defended.
Nevertheless, Trialist B’s goal at the back post after Ash Baker’s cross was eventually the game’s first goal in the 32nd minute.
Two minutes prior to halftime, Alex Curran managed to go past Jack Edwards’ offside trap and score a goal for the Silkmen.
After the restart, there were significantly less opportunities, but Neil Kengni had a great run in the 62nd minute that could have given the visitors the lead.
The Silkmen’s number two attempted to cut into the box from the left, but his effort was met only with the side netting, and the ball went behind for a goal kick.
Trialist D, the half-time substitute, attempted a shot from the edge of the penalty area in the 69th minute but was unable to test Dearnley in goal.
Tom Jones attempted a shot across the goal face six minutes from time as the home team attempted to find a winner.
However, Macclesfield had the game’s last opportunity in the 89th minute when Jack denied Trialist C.
