Recent history suggested that the Vale would be pitted against a strong Macclesfield outfit and such was the case. Despite the score line the Vale produced a much improved all round performance from the previous week at Rochdale.

Vale selected a side with a core of experience including Neil Bennetts, Malcolm Fowler, Danny Lin, James Curran and David Haigh but on the day high flying Macclesfield were always going to present a formidable challenge.

None the less the Vale made the perfect start with an early try from Bob Mudd converted by Nick Walker, and in the seventeenth minute Walker added a penalty goal. Macclesfield, as was to be expected, came roaring back, increasing the pace of the game and powerfully gaining control and by half time they had established a 26-10 lead.

It would be most unfair to accuse the Vale of throwing in the towel, the defended their line resolutely but at times it was like having the family saloon going head to head with a Formula One racing car, the power difference tells sooner if not later.

Gaps stated to appear in Vale's defence as Macclesfield moved through the gears and by the seventieth minute they had passed the half century mark; included in the visitor's total was sublime hat trick from their 17 year old wing forward, a player who is very much a star of the future.

A resilient Vale side hit back with a second Mudd try after the lock forward had charged through. Macclesfield added a final converted try before Fowler collected one of his trade mark tries.

In what had been a bruising encounter for the Vale, they showed great character in adversity. Both Joe Stevens and Dan Rainford maintained a high work rate throughout and replacement Joe Aryton impressed when he came on as a replacement.

Vale A: N Walker; J Curran, N Bennetts, D Haigh, A Hill; K Doyle, H Bartle; J Stevens, G McSporran, O Cowey (Capt); B Mudd, D Rainford; T Cvijanovic, D Lin, M Fowler. Replacements used: E Wallace, J Aryton, T Summers