Macclesfield boss Mark Yates is upbeat despite defeat - 7M sport

Macclesfield boss Mark Yates is upbeat despite defeat



Posted Sunday, August 19, 2018 by PA

Macclesfield boss Mark Yates is upbeat despite defeat

Manager Mark Yates insists there is reason for optimism despite his Macclesfield side suffering a 3-1 loss at north-west rivals Oldham.

Goals from Sam Surridge, Johan Branger and Ishmael Miller inflicted a third straight defeat on the Silkmen, who have endured a disappointing return to the Football League.

Surridge’s sweet finish gave Oldham the breakthrough after 16 minutes, while Gabon international Branger doubled the lead eight minutes after half-time with a heavily deflected shot from 25 yards.

Michael Rose offered Macclesfield hope with a free-kick from the edge of the box and they almost levelled through defender Fiacre Kelleher.

Instead, Oldham sealed the points in stoppage time with a fine individual goal from ex-Premier League star Miller – ensuring a first win for new Latics boss Frankie Bunn.

Yates said: “There are things we need to improve, but we knew what this season would bring.

“We are not kidding ourselves about needing points, but we could have won today and we could have won our first two games.

“We’re not a million miles away and there’s no huge gulf in class. It’s about concentration levels and being up for every minute of every game.

“The next one can’t come quick enough and we can be encouraged by what we saw today, at least in the second half.

“In the first half we allowed too many crosses and conceded a poor goal. It improved after we changed things, but I don’t want to be changing things every game.

“I want us to put two good halves together, but in the second half we asked a lot of questions and the performance was good. We attacked them, had shots cleared off the line and we didn’t get the luck.”

Oldham manager Bunn said: “It’s a great feeling to get that first win. I’m so proud to be here and it feels even better when you take three points.

“The staff and players are working very hard and we are taking small but positive steps.

“There is a togetherness about us and the players keep going right to the end, which I’m sure the supporters appreciate.

“We dominated the first half, but Macclesfield were always going to respond and we got a bit deep defensively when they put us under immense pressure.

“We had to deal with it, which we did, and then the third goal from Ishmael put the game to bed.

“It was important to have players back from injury and I think they strengthened us, which is what we’re going to need over a long season.

“Everyone is fighting for those positions and it’s good for Sam and Ishmael to get their goals because you always want that from your frontmen.”

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