Macclesfield Town v Exeter City, 09 September 2000

Fresh from their midweek Worthington Cup demolition of Bolton Wanderers, Macclesfield were quick out of the blocks to put their Devon visitors under early pressure. Exeter weathered the storm though to eventually claim their first win of the season at the eighth attempt. After an indifferent start to the term, the Silkmen appeared to be set up for another victory. On the crest of a wave, both George Abbey and Kieron Durkan went close to opening the 2000/01 Moss Rose League account. Against the run of play, it was the Grecians who went ahead on the stroke of half time. From a well worked free kick near the left corner flag, Neil Whitworth rose at the far post and his header was headed home by an unchallenged Steve Flack from four yards. Ben Sedgemore missed two great chances to bring Macc level before Christian Roberts settled the issue. Two Town errors on the halfway line allowed the close season capture from Cardiff City to race clear. He held off Darren Tinson, then fired under the body of keeper Tony Bullock.