Magic Macclesfield close in on National League title after victory next to the stars

By Matt Badcock
In the shadow of Elstree Studios, where silver screen flicks like Star Wars and Indiana Jones were filmed, Macclesfield Town took another step closer to their own Hollywood ending.
The Silkmen Story is the classic underdog tale, where leading man John Askey – Sir John to his loyal fans – has guided his motley crew to the brink of glory. Specifically, the National League title and a return to the Football League.
At Boreham Wood on Tuesday night, two Tyrone Marsh goals edged them three points towards their target.
They need four points from their last three games to be crowned champions but could do it as early as Saturday with a win against Leyton Orient combined with Tranmere Rovers, who came from two-goals down to win 4-2 against Gateshead on Tuesday, dropping points.
Even a draw and Tranmere defeat could do it, but Askey doesn't need reminding of all the different scenarios of a championship run-in that took on a whole new meaning last month after back-to-back wins against rivals Aldershot and Rovers themselves.
“It was massive because it put those teams back and knocked them, then with having such a good Easter as well,” Askey says. “It's set it up nicely and we're in a fantastic position. Having said that, I'll still not be sleeping until it's over the line.
“You look at the table and it drives you mad. You look at every scenario if you don't win, if Tranmere win all their games – I've been doing that for about a month now. But I've got all the belief in the players that they can do it. It still won't stop me from not sleeping.”
The cameras were at Wood on Tuesday – BT Sport cameras – as part of the build-up to Saturday's big clash.
That they turned up on a Tuesday night and put in such a good display despite the pressures, shows how much confidence is running through the dressing room.
It shouldn't be forgotten that Boreham Wood have promotion ambitions of their own and, in Morgan Ferrier and Bruno Andrade, Askey says his opposite number Luke Garrard has one of the best forward lines in the division.
So, has Askey sensed the lack of nerves in his squad for a while?
“We've got one or two players who have won things before,” Askey says. “I just think it brings out confidence. The majority of the games we've performed well and when you've performed well then there is a belief. They've kept that going.”
Askey is a club legend from his playing days and was part of the last time they won Non-League's top tier in 1997. Macclesfield is his club and if – let's stress the if – they do seal the title it will mean so much.
“Football wise it would mean everything, it would be my biggest achievement,” Askey says. “To get the club back into the Football League where, as a player, we worked so hard to get them before seeing them back in the Conference, it would be a massive achievement. I'm just pleased everyone is enjoying it. That makes everything for me. To see smiles on people's faces and people you've known for a long time enjoying it – you know what people put into the football club – is great.”
Of course, twists in motion pictures are nothing new. Tranmere can still catch them, but it would take a magnificent effort from Micky Mellon's side and a meltdown from Macclesfield.
Operating with a small squad, Askey stressed the importance of the fringe players for working hard in training and playing their part in their successful campaign.
And a word for the fans, who travelled in numbers on Tuesday, and are now feeling their dream of the blue & white ribbons draped around the trophy could soon be reality.
“While I've been involved Macclesfield have had lots of ups and downs,” Askey says. “But we've had a lot of ups – we're quite fortunate really considering how small we are. To have a chance to get back in the Football League is unbelievable.” The stuff of films, perhaps.
 
Read more reaction from Macclesfield's incredible season in this week's Non-League Paper