Macclesfield Town 0 Walsall 2

Last updated : 31 January 2007 By Footymad Previewer
Walsall extended their lead at the top of League Two to three points with a smash-and-grab raid at relegation threatened Macclesfield.

Goals from almost the first and the very last kicks of the game from deadball specialist Dean Keates saw the Midlands side chalk up another victory.

They were gifted the opener after just seconds when Macclesfield's new signing Adam Murray needlessly handled a weak clearance from David Morley inches inside the box allowing Keates to stroke home a clinical left-foot penalty neatly into the corner.

Macclesfield then dominated with Morley heading a Kevin McIntyre corner narrowly past the near post in the 21st minute before Danny Swailes crunched a header against the crossbar in the 25th minute.

They again looked likely to score in the 41st minute when striker Matty McNeil tried to shoot on the turn only to scoop a weak shot which was easily cleared off the six-yard line.

Walsall were content to sit back in the second half and attack Macclesfield on the break.

In the 50th minute skipper Mike Dobson might have done better for the Saddlers but headed a cross from Danny Fox over the bar from eight yards.

Keates then tried an audacious 40-yard lob volley which left Macc keeper Tommy Lee stranded but sailed into the advertising hoardings.

Walsall then had two late penalty shouts waved away with Keates going down under a challenge from Rob Scott before substitute Par Cederqvist was all but strangled by Swailes underneath the crossbar.

Mark Wright could also have had a goal but headed a corner against the back of marker Swailes from only six yards.

Man of the match Keates sealed the outcome with the final kick of the game when he dispatched a beautifully weighted free-kick that left Lee rooted to the spot from 22 yards out.