Late Joe Ironside penalty snatches point for Macclesfield at Stevenage

Posted Sunday, September 01, 2019 by PA

Joe Ironside’s penalty five minutes from time ensured Macclesfield left Stevenage with a point after an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Goalless in the league so far this season, the hosts came out swinging with only the sharp reflexes of Owen Evans denying Kurtis Guthrie and Arthur Iontton in the opening five minutes.

A real handful, Guthrie continued to find himself thwarted by the woodwork and a smart one-handed save from Evans – before Dino Maamria’s side were caught on the counter.

Ben Kennedy’s dink was intercepted by the rangy Emmanuel Osadebe, who found Ben Stephens and the youngster finished calmly to stun the home crowd.

But, after a shaky 15 minutes going into the break, the hosts came out a different side after the restart.

The introduction of Jason Cowley was key, and after his close-range effort hit the crossbar, Guthrie turned in the rebound to palpable relief.

Luther James-Wildin then struck an early goal of the season contender, lashing home from 30 yards just three minutes later to give Stevenage a deserved lead.

Ironside would have the final say though, tucking past Paul Farman from the spot after Osadebe was upended by Newcastle loanee Kelland Watts.