League Two: Comfortable win for the Grecians?

Macclesfield got back to winning ways and will hope to secure back to back wins when visiting Exeter on Tuesday evening.

Exeter City v Macclesfield Town

Michael Rose’s second half penalty secured a much-needed 1-0 win over Yeovil for Macclesfield Town on Saturday, reducing the gap to safety to seven points.

While the Silkmen deserve credit for a workmanlike performance, they registered just two shots on target throughout the 90 minutes.

There was also uncertainty over the managerial position.

With 38-year-old Danny Whitaker starting in central midfield, fellow joint-caretaker boss Neil Howarth was effectively the man in control – only he was reportedly dismissed an hour before kick-off by the controversial Amar Alkadhi.

That same director had said, earlier this month, that Howarth and Whitaker would stay in charge until January, but more recent mainstream reports indicate that he and chairman Gary Blower are now in talks with Sol Campbell.

The former Arsenal defender already has a mixed reputation in the English game due to his controversial opinions on certain issues.

In any case, one must question whether the man who once described himself as “one of the greatest minds in football” will be prepared to adapt to an environment that necessitates a Dunkirk Spirit.

If Campbell is appointed before Tuesday, which Howarth’s dismissal implies he will be, then his first assignment could be a trip to Exeter City, who are showing signs of getting back to their impressive early season form.

In their previous home game, a 2-2 draw with Northampton, they created a host of first half chances but could not quite take enough of them to kill the game off, with 2018 goal machine Jayden Stockley unusually culpable.

The headed goal specialist though bagged in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Colchester and could be beginning to strike up a favourable strike-partnership with Tristan Abrahams.

As well as mobility, the Norwich loanee possesses surprising strength for a 19-year-old; but he has had to be patient.

At the start of the campaign, manager Matt Taylor favoured Stockley and Jonathan Forte up top, then briefly switched to 4-1-4-1 after the latter got injured.

Since Hiram Boateng has also become unavailable however, Taylor has reverted to 4-4-2 and that could play into the hands of Abraham, who looks set for more starts after showing promise in eight league substitute appearances.

Their midfield contains fine technicians like Nicky Law and Lee Holmes, with Jake Taylor an adaptable operator out wide while Jordan Tillson sits at the base.

Exeter could be due a goal glut and Macclesfield, who have taken a meagre one point from a possible 27 away games, conceding 19 goals, will not look forward to their trip to Devon.

Tip:

Exeter to win -1 handicap