Football League 2
Saturday 12th September 2009
Kick off 3.00pm
Stadium Moss Rose, London Road, Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 7SP
Telephone 01625 264 686
Club Colours Blue and White Nickname The Silkmen
Official Club Website http://www.mtfc.premiumtv.co.uk
Key Personnel
The Macc Manager is ex Bee Keith Alexander. Keith was a key figure in the 1986-88 era at Underhill when the club finished 2nd in consecutive GM Conference seasons. His 80 odd match (23 goals) association with Dave Sansom, Steve Mahoney, Nicky Evans and Gary Abbott was very fruitful for all parties.
He represented over 20 clubs during a marathon playing career. He has scored at the original Wembley for Stamford in the FA Vase and has represented St Lucia on three occasions.
Keith's management profession began at Lincoln City in 1993. Lower league appointments at Ilkeston and Northwich Victoria followed before a return to Sincil Bank between 2002-2006.
"Trio" as he was affectionately known at Underhill then looked after Peterborough United for a while, had a stint as Director of Football at Bury before taking the reins at Moss Rose in February 2008 with a two year contract.
Impress the Locals
Macclesfield are alleged to have scored the very last goal in the Football League in the 20th century - Chris Priest made a habit of scoring late goals in his career it seemed.
Brief Directions by Road
M6 junction 17 taking the A534 signposted Congleton and Macclesfield. A complicated series of roundabouts awaits in Congleton (but it is a good stop off point for a pre-match meal too) and two options become available. 1. For ease in finding the ground and a pleasant country drive follow the signs for the A54 and head out of Congleton towards Buxton. After 5 miles of leaving Congleton on this A54 road turn left onto the A523 towards Macclesfield. You will see the ground on your left upon entering the outskirts of Macclesfield. 2. From Congleton the A536 heads straight into Macclesfield but on the wrong side of town for the football ground. If you decide on this way eventually you will find Moss Road heading South out of the town and on your right.
Car Parking
The car parking at the ground is usually restricted to officials and corporate hospitality however there is plenty of unrestricted parking in the surrounding streets. A very safe place to park is in the Lyme Green Retail Park, which is only about 300 yards South of the ground down the London Road or as I did last season on the London Road itself.
Directions by Train
A train from Euston is an incredibly quick route and even grabbing a late morning train Macclesfield is less than 2 hours away. However the Station is a good 30-minute walk (mile and a half) from the ground. Turn left out of the station into Sunderland Street until the major crossroads at the War Memorial. Turn left into Mill Lane (A523 towards Leek) and follow the road for about a mile where it becomes Cross Street then London Road and you will find the ground on your right.
The number 9 bus from Macclesfield Bus Station which is adjacent to the railway station will take you to the Moss Rose and runs every 20 minutes, fare £1.00 one way. A Taxi should cost no more than £6.00.
Supporters Coaches
The BFCSA is running a coach to this fixture and the Fare Band is 'E' which is £30 for adults and £25 Concessions. The coach will depart from outside the Barnet Odeon at 9.30 sharp. For further details about supporters coach travel and how to book check out the BFCSA website at www.bfcsa.co.uk. You can also phone the Coach Travel hot line on 01707 647365. Please remember that you must be a member of the Association to travel - don't worry you can join on the day. The club wishes me to point out that supporters' coach travel is entirely organised and operated independently by the Barnet FC Supporters Association. Barnet Football Club Limited cannot be held liable for any losses occurred.
Eating and Drinking Locally
You will struggle to find a pub close to the ground - The Golden Lion is about 10 minutes walk away but as always The Reckless Guide has some seriously cultured suggestions. On the A54 at Allgreave, which only involves a short detour from my route above (i.e. instead of turning left onto the A523 to the ground, carry straight on for about 5 miles), you will find the superb Rose & Crown pub built around 1800. It is I believe the highest (above sea level) pub in England - lovely surroundings, real ales and food, it doesn't get much better. However if it is just ale you are after then look no further than the Beartown Tap in Willow Street Congleton which was voted CAMRA Pub of the Year in 2003 and 2004
.
The local Retail Park only offers the putrid plastic fast food rubbish that infests the world so a visit to the town centre is a best bet for a decent meal. The ground catering is the normal football fayre of Dogs, Pies and Burgers. I have been informed that there are no social club facilities for visiting fans at Moss Rose.
Ground Description
Home from home, welcome to a good old fashion 'home' ground. The main or London Road stand which occupies half of the touchline was erected in the mid 1960's and seats just 563. This style of grandstand, short but deep with a broad roof fascia was very popular in the north-west as the very similar main stands at Altrincham and Leek Town illustrates. The uncovered but sturdy terracing that flanks it has room for 1,000. Opposite is the 2002 latest edition to Moss Rose, The Alfred McAlpine Stand which has executive boxes behind its 1500 seats. To the left is the possibly unique Star Lane End which has the odd arrangement of a small bank of seating in front of a shallow terrace. This clever and cosy little arrangement is covered by a plain roof and was a result of the Football League insistence on a certain ratio of seating to standing accommodation when The Silkmen re-gained promotion to the League in 1997. Finally to the right is our home for the game (along with a small section of seating in the McAlpine Stand) the uncovered Silkman End terrace, which has room for 1,500.
Admission Prices
Adults £14.00 - Concessions £10.00 - 12 to 15 year olds pay just £5.00 and Under 12s are free if accompanied by an adult.
From time to time, subject to demand, the club reserves the right to only offer seating accommodation to the visiting fans. Prices then Adults £18.00 - Concessions £14.00
There are spaces allocated for disabled spectators in front of the McAlpine Stand at the above concessionary rate and the official Macclesfield website sates that if disabled parking is required then they ask that a booking is made 24 hours in advance if possible.
Our Last Meeting & Memories
Our last visit in April 2009 resulted in a 1-1 draw, Albert Adomah with the goal. We have never had the best of things over the years against Macc although an Ian Hendon penalty featured in a fine 3-2 win away in 2006. My memory goes as far back to 1970 when as a 10 year old I watched a Barnet side including Ben Embery Jack McClelland, Les Eason, Colin Powell and the like loose 1-0 to Macc in an FA Trophy semi final played at Stoke City's old Victoria ground. Nearly 8,000 watched the game. I also recall the 1988 season when the team were on a superb run of form and Mrs Reckless insisted on coming along to Underhill for her first game that season, we were wiped out 1-4!
Overnight Stay Factor and tit-bits
Macclesfield Borough is known as the Peaks and Plains of Cheshire and has the very pretty Peak District National Park as one of its boundaries. The town itself is one that doesn't offer too much appeal for a weekend away I'm afraid so a poor 2/10 applies.
Did you know that the clubs nickname originates from the world renowned Silk Industry in the town at its height in the early 19th century. The lovely Victorian Canal Mill building
(now very sought after apartments) was the original home of the tastiest bread in the world, Hovis. Buttered Hovis bread with clear honey is the ultimate Sunday afternoon tea.
Celebrity Watch
The Get Me Outa Here Celebrity Jungle King (of the fake tan) David Dickenson has shares in the local solarium in nearby Bollington while Jasper Carrot's detective partner Robert Powell, who played the aforementioned Nicky Evans' son in the 1970's TV blockbuster Jesus Of Nazareth, grew up in these parts. The greatest Glam Rock band ever was Slade and their original frontman Noddy "Mind Your Nuts" Holder lives in the area Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy Terry Waite once had a season ticket at Moss Rose. He liked sitting on his own for some reason!
Macclesfield FC have asked that we relay this information to you.
Match Day Hospitality at the Moss Rose
If you are planning to travel to Cheshire on Saturday to cheers on the boys at the Moss Rose then why not treat yourself to the Silkmen's pre-match hospitality package. With great views of the pitch and surrounding hills the McIlroy Suite venue is proving ever popular with both home and away fans alike.
Included in the package is all of the following:
- Pre-match 3 course meal
- VIP seats in the McAlpine stand
- Complimentary match day programme
- Half time refreshments
- Pay bar facility throughout the day
For more information or to reserve your place please call Penny on 01625 264686.
And if you just fancy a pre-match drink the President's Bar in the McAlpine Stand welcomes all away fans, screening the live Saturday lunchtime Sky game and some really cheap beer - Carling, Worthington Bitter, Guinness and draught Magners are all available.
