McMahon proud of Macclesfield squad for claiming point after off-field struggles

Posted Sunday, November 17, 2019 by PA

Macclesfield manager Daryl McMahon expressed pride in his squad after they ended another trying week with a point from a goalless draw with Mansfield.

McMahon’s players had vowed not to play the game unless they were paid their long-overdue wages the previous day but once they received their money they delivered a gritty showing to end a four-game losing run.

And McMahon was delighted with how his squad battled to a point after a host of off-field issues again affected his preparation.

“The performance from the group was outstanding today, I’m proud of them,” he said.

“It was tight, Mansfield are a very good side with a lot of talent at their disposal, the two strikers they brought on would probably get into any team in the division. But we defended really well as a group, the back three were outstanding.”

His squad had gone on strike for the previous weekend’s FA Cup defeat and, with numerous worries building up away from the pitch, the manager says he is focusing only on the area where he can influence the crisis club’s fortunes.

“Going through the circumstances we are at the minute I think you’ve seen this young team grow up, you’ve seen them behave as men today, they’ve been excellent,” he added.

“It’s my job to motivate them in any circumstances. You have good times and bad times, on and off the pitch. The off-pitch stuff is beyond my control, all I can focus on is that changing room, I ask them to be honest and work hard and they did that today.”

Visitors Mansfield had the clearer of the few chances created, with Nicky Maynard having an off-day in front of goal, but Stags boss John Dempster, sympathetic to McMahon’s predicament, was also happy to take away a point.

“One thing was clear, both teams put an absolute shift in, there weren’t many chances for either side,” he said.

“I think we had a good opportunity when Nicky (Maynard) went clean through. Other than that both goalkeepers weren’t really worked. The positives are mainly with the defenders today but every single player on the pitch put a shift in and that’s all I can ask for.

“It was a hard afternoon, it’s clear Macclesfield are fighting for their lives, not only are their players fighting for their club they could be fighting for contracts, that’s the nature of modern-day football. So it was a real battle but our players stood up to it.

“They have some good, experienced players and a good young manager, they’re in difficult circumstances and we wish them well.

“It makes you grateful that we have wealthy, supportive owners who back the club, back me and look after everybody involved.”