Late Antoni Sarcevic strike earns Plymouth draw at Macclesfield

Posted Wednesday, February 19, 2020 by PA

Antoni Sarcevic’s late strike rescued a point for Plymouth in a 1-1 Sky Bet League Two draw with Macclesfield at Moss Rose.

Shilow Tracey’s first goal for Macclesfield looked like being enough for them to dent Argyle’s promotion hopes with a much-needed win but the visitors’ leading scorer slotted in after his 84th-minute penalty had been saved by Macc keeper Jonathan Mitchell.

Second-bottom Macclesfield made a blistering start to the game, with numerous chances coming early on.

In the first five minutes alone, Arthur Gnahoua fizzed a shot wide, Connor Kirby scooped a first-time effort over from close in, and Tracey was denied by the feet of keeper Alex Palmer, who also saved from Gnahoua and Nathan Cameron.

But, as Plymouth were growing into the game, Macclesfield finally took the lead after 33 minutes. Danny Whitehead charged forward and, as defenders converged, he slipped in Tracey, who finished emphatically.

But although Plymouth laid siege to the Macclesfield goal in the second half, it was not until Sarcevic went down in the box that they levelled.

He saw his spot-kick saved but was presented with the easiest of second chances and seized it to slot home and rescue a draw.

The draw leaves Plymouth two points adrift of joint leaders Swindon and Exeter.