Macclesfield secured a 4-2 victory over Buxton on Easter Friday at the Silverlands.
Buxton made the perfect start, taking the lead inside six minutes. Cian Coleman collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a precise effort into the far corner to make it 1-0.
However, the visitors responded quickly to draw level. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts was brought down in the area by Josh Davidson, allowing Paul Dawson to step up and confidently convert from the penalty spot.
Soon after, Buxton came close to restoring their advantage, as Johnny Johnston burst forward with pace and forced Rogan Ravenhill into a smart save at his near post.
Meanwhile, there was a moment of controversy in midfield when Luke Brennan appeared to win the ball cleanly, but a free-kick was given. Sam Heathcote was shown a yellow card for his protests.
Macclesfield then took the lead in the 33rd minute. A failed clearance from Davidson fell kindly to Dawson, who struck a low effort into the net to grab his second of the afternoon.
Later in the half, the Bucks were handed a opportunity from a corner after the goalkeeper was penalised for holding onto the ball too long, but Kieran Burton could only head wide from the set piece.
Towards the interval, Macclesfield threatened again. Dawson’s header in midfield found Luke Duffy, who slipped the ball through to James Gale, but Joe Young was equal to the effort.
Following the break, Buxton found their way back into the game in the 56th minute. Davidson delivered a cross into George Ward, who controlled it on his chest, turned sharply, and fired home to make it 2-2.
Encouraged by the equaliser, Buxton pushed for a third, with Connor Kirby striking a volley that forced another save from the Macclesfield goalkeeper.
Despite the pressure, it was Macclesfield who regained the lead in the 69th minute. Elliot Osborne produced a superb volley from the edge of the area that flew into the top corner.
Almost immediately, Buxton nearly responded, but Luke Brennan saw his curling effort drift just wide of the post.
Finally, with 15 minutes remaining, Macclesfield extended their advantage. Luke Duffy finished confidently across goal with a low-driven strike to seal the victory.
