Macclesfield secured a narrow victory over the Steelmen to advance to the third qualifying round of the Emirates FA Cup. The match took place on Saturday, with Macclesfield taking an early lead before extending their advantage shortly after the hour mark.

The first goal came before halftime, giving the Silkmen a crucial advantage going into the break. In the 61st minute, Luke Duffy delivered a well-placed free-kick from inside the Steelmen’s half, which found Osborne. Osborne rose to head the ball firmly into the bottom corner of the net, doubling Macclesfield’s lead.

The Steelmen responded in the 70th minute when Boyes was fouled inside the penalty area by Heathcote, leading the referee to award a spot-kick. Johnson converted the penalty by sending goalkeeper Dibble the wrong way, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and reigniting the contest.

In the final stages, Steelmen substitute JJ Bartliff came close to equalizing when his shot struck the crossbar with five minutes remaining. Macclesfield had a chance to put the game beyond doubt in stoppage time when Fin Shrimpton shot from the edge of the box, but his effort was comfortably saved by Steelmen keeper Josh Mazfari.

The referee ultimately brought the match to a close shortly after, confirming Macclesfield’s progression to the next round. This victory keeps alive the club’s hopes of replicating last season’s impressive FA Cup run, which saw Macclesfield defeat the reigning holders Crystal Palace in the third round before exiting the competition against Premier League side Brentford.