U's end season with defeat
Cambridge United ended the season in 14th place in the Blue Square Bet Premier after losing their last match of the season at Macclesfield.The U's made a good start to the match, and were rewarded when Tom Elliott netted his 16th goal of the season from close range. But Pablo Mills headed the home side level before Guy Madjo blasted in the winner from 35 yards.
Head coach Richard Money made three changes to the side that beat Barrow AFC 2-1 last week. Blaine Hudson, fresh from a loan spell at Billericay, came into the side at the expense of Charlie Wassmer, while in midfield Liam Hughes and Luke Berry replaced Rossi Jarvis and Tom Shaw.
A fast start from United saw them keep the Macc goal under pressure, and they hit the front in the 15th minute following a corner. Home keeper Rhys Taylor could only parry Hudson's header, and Elliott was on hand to score from close range.
But they were unable to add to their lead, and two goals just before half-time turned the game on its head.
First Mills was left unmarked to head home a corner from ex-United player Peter Winn. Then Madjo beat Craig Ross with a powerful effort from distance to make it 2-1.
A nightmare end to the first half for United was complete when Elliott had to be carried off following a challenge with Mills. The U's top scorer was replaced by Tom Shaw for the second half.
Sam Smith forced a good save from Taylor as the U's pressed for an equaliser, while Liam Hughes and Harrison Dunk also went close. But Macclesfield weathered the early storm and were able to see out the match fairly comfortably to claim the three points.
United will draw their season to a close on Tuesday night with a friendly against a team from Premier League giants Newcastle United. Ticket details can be found here.
Macclesfield Town: Taylor, Jackson, Audel, Mills, Wedgbury, Kissock, Mackreth (Gnahoua 72), Murtagh, Fairhurst, Madjo, Winn. Subs not used: Braham-Barrett, Fermino, Martin, Burgess.
Cambridge United: Ross, Roberts, Hudson, Coulson, Haynes-Brown, Hughes (Jarvis 76), Berry, Pugh, Smith, Elliott (Shaw 46), Dunk. Subs not used: Anderson, Gorman, Hurst.
Referee: Mr P.Rees
Attendance: 1,987