Coca-Cola League Two

Macc boss Brian Horton changed the game with another masterful tactical move as he brought on forgotten man John Miles to change this game.

Typically, however, Horton deflected the credit, implying the move was forced on him rather than through his own tactical acumen.

'I did need more width, but it was more to do with the fact that Neil Mackenzie is struggling for full fitness at the moment and cannot train.'

Whatever the reason, it paid rich dividends as the floating Miles popped up wide left in the 79th minute to deliver a pin-point pass for Graham Potter to side foot home an elegant eight-yard volley - his sixth goal of the season and his third in the two games.

It was only the second shot on goal Macc had mustered, their only other chance coming in first-half injury time as the hard-working Matthew Tipton threaded a shot through a crowd of players only to see Matthew Somner acrobatically scissor-kick the ball off the line.

Since signing Danny Swailes and David Morley, Brian Horton's men have now taken 16 points from the last 18 and this performance was again built on defensive grit rather than attacking flair.

They also had the Us front men to thank ­ a team that once boasted Dion Dublin and Steve Claridge ­ now doomed to non-league oblivion because they cannot find a finish.

Youngster Danny Chillingworth was the worst culprit, hoofing over the bar on nine minutes before treading on a golden chance in the 13th minute, as the away fans fell about laughing.

When they did look dangerous, Morley was invariably a mean, moody and menacing presence, clearing up the loose ball like a time pressed mum with the vacuum cleaner.

He was at his best in the 30th minute when Alan Fettis spilt a 25 yard Luke Guttridge shot in front of former Silkmen Martin Carruthers.

Macc fans will remember Carruthers and his performance was typical of many he gave at Moss Rose, full of sound and fury but signifying nothing.

In the 40th minute he took a neat pass from Guttridge, turned craftily inside but then shot straight at Fettis.

The same was true in the second half, as Carruthers honed in on goal on the hour only to blast over the bar.

Next up was a fluffed half volley at the far post with only Fettis to beat.

Cambridge's best effort came with the seconds running out, sub Darren Quinton pelting a 20 yard drive goal-bound only for Fettis to finally warm his finger tips with an arching save that saw the ball deflected inches over the bar.

• CAMBRIDGE: Ruddy, Goodhand, Duncan, Tann, Bimson, Tudor, Guttridge, Somner, Walker, Carruthers, Chillingworth. Subs not used: Easter, Webb, Quinton, Gleeson, Newey.

• MACCLESFIELD: Fettis, Swailes, Carragher, Morley, Harsley, Navarro, MacKenzie (Miles 68), McIntyre, Potter, Tipton, Parkin. Subs not used: Wilson, Whitaker, Sheron, Welch.

Ref: Peter Armstrong.

Att: 2,926.

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