MIDFIELDER Chris Byrne headed the goal that ended Macclesfield's run of five matches without a win and helped to lift them away from the wrong end of the football league basement.

The Silkmen had come under pressure from Swansea, but some fine goalkeeping by the alert Lee Martin and some resolute defensive work, especially by Dave Ridler, kept the Swans at bay.

Grew in confidence

As Swansea began to doubt themselves, so Macclesfield grew in confidence and they went in front in the 50th minute.

Ricky Lambert made ground down the left but his centre into the penalty area seemed to carry more hope than expectation until the unmarked Byrne rose superbly to meet it with a looping header that went over Swansea goalkeeper Roger Freestone and dropped just under the bar.

''I've been dying for the day when we win a scrappy game 1-0,'' said Macclesfield Manager David Moss.

''We had the best chances and Chris Byrne's goal was a great one.

"I want and expect competition from players in my side, and today they competed for everything. Now we must get back on a winning run as soon as possible and lift ourselves up the table.''

Swansea had begun strongly and Martin was soon in action to beat out a shot from Jonathan Coates after good work from Steve Watkin.

Early chances

It was Watkin who was next to threaten. Andy Mumford and Neil Sharp combined well to create the opening but although Watkin struck the ball cleanly from about 15 yards Martin was again equal to the task.

The Silkmen were finding it difficult to make an impression up front despite the midfield industry of Byrne and Kevin Keen, but they almost grabbed a 30th minute lead.

Swansea failed to clear a throw by Darren Tinson and the ball bobbled about in the penalty area before Kyle Lightbourne got in a shot that Freestone managed to stop with his legs.

After Macc scored, Swansea piled forward but couldn't find a way through the Silkmen's defence.

Byrne wasted a chance to double Macclesfield's lead in the 72nd minute when he tried an optimistic 20 yard effort instead of passing to the unmarked Lambert, who was waiting in vain alongside him.

And that would have proved costly if the woodwork had not come to Macclesfield's rescue 10 minutes later.

Swansea Captain Nick Cusack collected a pass from substitiutue Ryan Casey and his fierce 18 yard drive was blocked by Martin. The ball rebounded and Cusack's second attempt beat Martin but came back off the bar and bounced to safety.

The Swans beat Macc on the first day of the season - does this win show how far the Silkmen have come? Let us know your views.

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