The final chapter of Macclesfield’s traumatic season will be written as they host Hereford United.

Seven points from their last three games means there’s to be no nail-biting finale for the Silkmen, who eliminated any lingering prospect of relegation last weekend with a 4-2 thumping of Gillingham.

Instead, the prospect of an end-of-season stroll awaits both sides, since the Bulls – propping up the league for much of the season – have also steered away from trouble in recent weeks, thanks in no small part to the efforts of star man and top scorer Stuart Fleetwood.

Club physio Jamie Pitman took over from the sacked Simon Davey in October and his efforts in preventing Hereford’s second relegation in three years has seen him handed a new two-year contract to stay on as manager.

Meanwhile, Macc boss Gary Simpson has paid a glowing tribute to his players’ efforts. The squad, devastated by the shock death of midfielder Richard Butcher in January, recovered admirably and are on course for the club’s best finish since a play-off appearance in 2005.

“I can’t fault the lads at all,” said Simpson. “There have not been many occasions when we’ve not seen them really put a shift in.

“They’ve been a credit to themselves and to the football club, their effort and commitment this season can’t be faulted. They’ve had to deal with unbelievable circumstances this season and, hopefully, that will stand them in good stead for the rest of their careers.”

Simpson is preparing for a summer that could, as is the norm at the Moss Rose, see the prominent players targeted by rivals with greater resources, but he is intent on keeping his squad together to compete again next term.

And stand-in skipper Nat Brown, who took the armband following Paul Morgan’s broken arm, is aiming for more than mere survival in 2012.

The defender said: “It was satisfying to reach safety but we know we could have done better.”

Macclesfield league form: DLWDW

Hereford league form: WDLDD

Key opponent: Stuart Fleetwood - fine season - 18 goals - in a struggling side

Prediction: Macclesfield 2 Hereford 1 - Two closely matched sides, but home advantage could count for Macc

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