MACCLESFIELD FC 1, HYDE UNITED 1
The eagerly awaited clash of the two in Pitching In Northern Premier League, Premier was overshadowed by a medical emergency off the field.
Kick off was delayed for 30 minutes as the pitch had to be cleared to allow an air ambulance to land.
A male supporter collapsed outside the ground shortly before 2pm after suffering what is believed to be a cardiac arrest.
St John’s Ambulance personnel at the ground along with physios from both clubs helped administer medical treatment, including using a defibrillator, until paramedics arrived.
The patient’s condition stabilised and the air ambulance was not required as he was taken to hospital by ambulance.
When the match finally got underway, it was an evenly fought contest in which both managers agreed a draw was a fair result.
Jack Redshaw fired Hyde ahead with a super strike and John Rooney, brother of Wayne, levelled with a fine strike, all in the space of six minutes.
Hyde manager Nick Spooner said: “I was speaking to Rob (Savage) and we agreed a draw was a fair result.
“When you look at their resources compared to ours, and their ambitions to go up, it made it a great achievement.
“It was a real test of our squad playing two games in two days. We have a brand new team and still learning, but this will be a confidence boost to come here and get a point.”
Macc head coach Savage paid a compliment to his opponents, saying: “Hyde are a good side and their manager has them set up well. They did well and we just about deserved a draw.
“I am sat here disappointed but on the positive we are unbeaten in six, having won four, but had the opportunity to go top.
“We worked all week on our attacking play. We had countless opportunities but picked the wrong option in the final third.”
Hyde are top on goal difference from Ashton United and Macclesfield as all three teams have collected 14 points from six league fixtures.
Hyde made the breakthrough in the 15th minute as Redshaw scored his sixth goal of the season.
Connor Heath provided the assist setting up Redshaw who cut in from the left before slotting a low shot into the far corner.
Macc were unhappy claiming a handball in the build-up to the goal.
The same pair linked again but this time Redshaw was denied by home keeper Max Dearnley who tipped over his shot.
Macc were level six minutes after falling behind with a spectacular strike from Rooney, albeit aided by a deflection.
The Silkmen recycled the ball following a free kick from the left and Rooney stepped inside before curling a shot low into the far corner, almost like threading it through the eye of a needle as he had so little to aim for. It was an exquisite finish.
Macc came close to moving ahead shortly before the break when an overhead kick from Danny Elliott landed on the roof of the net.
Both sides had chance in the second half to find a winner.
Macc keeper Max Dearnley made a howler kicking a clearance straight to Heath but recovered well to block the striker’s shot.
Rooney ought to have scored a second but dragged a shot narrowly wide from the edge of the box while Redshaw saw an ambitious volley narrowly clear the bar.