As far as games went this was a big one. Macc, without a win in the league all season and County unbeaten in 6. It had all the hallmarks of a great derby game.

Jim was forced to make a number of changes following an injury to Robert Clare and a one-match ban for skipper Tony Dinning. New signing Keith Treacy, signed on Thursday, came straight into the side as did young James Tunnicliffe.

The first real chance of the game saw Jason Taylor feed a ball through to an unmarked Adam Proudlock who couldn't get control of the ball and in the end the danger was eliminated.

Some patient build up play from Macclesfield allowed Martin Bullock to get a shot in on goal from inside the area. Ruddy, appeared to fumble but was quick to redeem himself.

County struggled to break down Macc as they took on a new found resilience under new boss, Paul Ince. One of very few chances for County in the opening 20 saw some good build up play between Proudlock and David Poole force a County corner that, inevitably, The Silkmen dealt with well. This chance even created an opening for the away side when Simon Wiles left wing shot was blocked by John Ruddy.

On the 25th minute Macc were nearly ahead when Jim McNulty's header crashed off the crossbar and back out. For the first time in a while the Hatters were under the cosh.

Amazingly County, though, were nearly in the lead when Proudlock's 18-yard drive appeared to have hit the back of the net, but it had gone marginally wide.

As the half progressed County started to find their feet, with Tes Bramble and Keith Treacy creating a number of good chances to snatch the lead from the away teams grasp.

GOAL! Macc were awarded a penalty on the 40th minute mark when Ashley Williams were adjudged to have handled Bullock's shot. Kevin McIntyre sent Ruddy the wrong way with the resulting spot kick.

It nearly got worse for County when Andrew Teague volleyed from inside the area that Ruddy had to be at his best to save.

County looked fired up at the start of the second half , and they were just inches from an equaliser when Proudlock got on the end of a low cross, but his shot went just wide.

At the other end, County had Griffin to thank for a goal line clearance and that was shortly followed by a wonderful Adam Proudlock volley, that Macc keeper, Jonathan Brain had to be equal to.

County had a good chance on the 64th minute when Jason Taylor crossed for Proudlock and the livewire striker headed straight at Brain.

Macc went agonisingly wide on the 68th minute mark when an unmarked Murphy headed wide from inches out when it had been easier to score.

GOAL! County grabbed the equaliser through Adam Proudlock, who walked the ball into the back of the net after Brain collided with Teague.

It was a serious incident as both players, unfortunately, had to be stetchered straight to the waiting ambulence with broken legs.

Ashley Williams almost redeemed himself for his earlier mistake when he got his head on a corner, but there was not enough direction on the ball and it floated harmlessly wide.

In the end it was a somewhat fortunate point for County, but as they say everyone counts!

Yellow Cards
County: Williams
Macclesfield: Hadfield, Scott

Man of the Match
Tes Bramble. As ever worked tirelessly.