A goal each from D’Mani Mellor and Jordan Hallam had the teams level at the half, but goals after the restart from Paul Dawson, John Rooney, Lewis Fensome and Edy Maieco ended a disappointing game for the Ambers.

Despite an early chance for Ash Chambers, all the threat belonged to the visitors early on and they capitalised quickly, with a back pass from Matt Thornhill leading to a foot race between Saul Deeney and Mellor, and Deeney’s attempted clearance could only bounce back off of Mellor and give him an easy tap in for the lead in the 4th minute.

The Ambers weren’t intimidated by the early breakthrough and created good chances of their own despite the Silkmen holding most of the ball, with Chambers again and Kacy Butterfield seeing their chances blocked and fly over the bar respectively.

Both sides soon saw golden chances at either end to score, with Justin Johnson first weaving his way through the amber backline but could only smash his shot against the post when in front of goal. Straight over at the other end Chambers also found himself one on one, but Max Dearnley was able to close him down and collect the ball.

Another defensive error from the Silkmen shortly after gave Hallam a chance to shoot with the keeper stranded, but his shot was dragged wide. All the momentum however was starting to shift to the Ambers.

Basford eventually made their chances count in the 34th minute, as great work from Tyrell Waite down the right saw him find Hallam in the box, who’s first time effort was too much for Dearnley and the Ambers had their deserved equaliser.

As the game moved towards the interval it was end to end action, but despite chances at both ends it remained level at the half.

The momentum continued to swing back and forth as the game restarted and once again it was the Silkmen who struck first, as in the 52nd minute a set piece routine saw Paul Dawson arrive at the back stick unmarked, giving him an easy header to put the visitors ahead.

Macclesfield added another shortly after as John Rooney took aim from just outside the box in the 57th minute with his shot flying top corner with Deeney having no chance.

Control was firmly in the hand of the visitors and Rooney soon became the provider for the Silkmen’s fourth, as his free kick flew past all the amber shirts and met Fensome at the back stick who tapped it home in the 66th minute.

Basford couldn’t get a hold back on the game as time ticked towards the final whistle, and eventually in added time the Silkmen added a fifth, courtesy of a strike from Maieco in the 91st minute. It marked the end of a disappointing day for the Ambers despite a couple of strong spells.

ATT: 571

STARTING XI: Saul Deeney, Tyler Dacres (Rev James, 61’), Henri Wilder, Matt Thornhill ©, Victor Nirennold, Nelson Aideyan (Harvey Ridgley, 74’), Josh Barnes, Kacy Milan, Tyrell Waite, Jordan Hallam (Prince Mancinelli, 61’), Ash Chambers (Joe Uveges, 65’)

SUBS (not used): Harvey Woodward