MACCLESFIELD'S second successive defeat deepened their League Two relegation worries as the league leaders Walsall put them to the sword at the Moss Rose.

A penalty in the first minute and a last minute goal from Saddlers' play-maker Dean Keates saw the Silkmen once again stumble against top-flight opposition.

They gifted Walsall the lead when new signing Adam Murray needlessly handled a soft clearance from skipper David Morley inches inside his own box after only 32 seconds.

Despite protests that it was ball to hand, Keates duly stepped up to slot home the spot-kick.

Macc then dominated the first half with Morley heading inches wide after 21 minutes and Danny Swales crunching a header against the crossbar on 25 minutes.

Walsall were content to play on the break in the second half, suffocating Macc with their polished defensive display.

Indeed, it was the Midlanders who nearly added to their tally with Keates sending an audacious lob-volley inches wide in the 52nd minute before Mark Wright headed against the back of Swales from close range in the 62nd minute.

Keates then added the final nail in Macc's coffin with the final kick of the game, producing a brilliant free-kick that left Tommy Lee stranded.

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