FORMER Rochdale striker Kevin Townson is hoping to blast one-time arch-rivals Macclesfield Town into League One - and earn himself a contract in the process.

Townson could be the surprise weapon in Brian Horton's armoury as he prepares an all-out assault on Lincoln's defensive giants in the play-off semi-final second leg this Saturday.

The 22-year-old - who stands 5ft 6in - made a surprise 12-minute substitute appearance against Lincoln's giant three-man central defence in the first leg.

And Horton may be tempted to go with Townson in the second leg as Macc attempt to turn around a 1-0 deficit.

Townson, born and raised in the Fazakerley district of Liverpool, joined Macclesfield on loan from Rochdale in March, but has since been told he can leave Spotland.

He said: "I was just delighted that Brian Horton gave me another chance. I had gone stale at Rochdale and was not surprised when Steve Parkin said I could go.

"Now all I want is a chance on the big stage and the opportunity to earn a contract at Macclesfield."

Townson is bidding to improve on his previous experience of the play-offs with Rochdale in 2002, when they were beaten in the semi-finals by Rushden and Diamonds.

He scored 17 goals for Dale that season - earning himself a call-up to the England under-19s squad - and hit 12 in 2003/2004.

"Goal-scoring is my strength. I feel I am an instinctive finisher.

"I know I have a reputation to have a bit of aggression. But you need that. You have to let the centre-halves know you are there."

Horton has promised that Macc will give it their best shot as they aim to book a place in the final at the Millennium Stadium.

He said: "You may as well lose 2-0 as 1-0 and, I can promise you, we will give it everything we have got."

Townson believes that Macc can vary their game to see off Lincoln. He said: "They have some big players and so have we, but I am hoping that the gaffer will want us to get the ball on the floor and run at them." Tweet