Pre-Season Friendly

JON Parkin continued where he left off last season when he scored Macclesfield’s goal in the 1-1 draw against a youthful Manchester City side.

The Silkmen striker struck 26 times last term - and it took him just three minutes to find the back of the net again in front of a bumper crowd at Moss Rose on Saturday.

Parkin ran onto a superb through ball from Martin Bullock, one of five players making their Macclesfield debuts, and fired past Geert de Vlieger.

But, worryingly for Macc, the 6ft 4in hitman was forced to leave the field soon after with a knee injury after going down under a challenge from David Sommeil.

By then the Premiership side, which combined a sprinkling of experienced players with a number of youngsters, had already equalised through Qatar trialist Yasser Hussain. The 23-year-old winger side-footed into an empty net after Alan Fettis had produced a fine save to deny Stephen Ireland.

That apart, chances were few and far between as both sides rang the changes after the break.

Macc, well-marshalled by new captain David Morley, were particular resilient in defence and Brian Horton was pleased with his side’s first outing of the season.

“It was a good draw and everyone enjoyed the game but it was about fitness really,” said Horton. “They created a few chances in the first half after we had taken the lead with a super goal, created by Martin Bullock and brilliantly taken by Parkin.

“It was a shame that he (Parkin) had to come off injured with his knee but we’ll know more on Monday about what he has done.”

Claudio Reyna struck a post in the first half and Fettis saved well from Ishmael Miller in the second half, but much of the drama unfolded off pitch regarding Shaun Wright-Phillips on-off move to Chelsea.

The England winger arrived at Moss Rose complaining of a stomach bug and was driven home. On his journey, he contacted City chairman John Wardle to ask permission to speak to Chelsea.

The request was declined but the club have subsequently agreed a deal which will see Wright-Phillips join the champions for £21million.

In light of Parkin's injury, Macc fans will be praying they don’t lose their star player before the season has even started as well.

MACCLESFIELD TOWN: Fetis, Bailey (Briscoe 45), Sandwith (Smart 59), Morley, Swailes (Teague 59), Bullock (Barras 45), Harsley (Whitaker 45), Parkin (Townson 19), Miles (Morgan 62), Beresford (MacDonald 75), McIntyre (MacKenzie 59). Subs (not used): Deasy.

MANCHESTER CITY: De Vliegar (Schmeical 45), Warrender (Mills 45), Thatcher (Jordan 45), Sommeil (Dunne 45), Distin (Richards 45), Reyna (D’Laryea 45), Flood, Ireland, B. Wright-Phillips (Miller 45), Birmingham (Croft 45), Hussain.

Referee: C. Foy.

Attendance: 4,420.

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