Macclesfield FC have secured promotion and the league title after a comfortable victory against Ashton Athletic.

The Silkmen guaranteed promotion in style, as they romped to a 4-0 victory and set a record attendance.

A nervy start of poor finishing was calmed with experience, as 39-year-old Neil Danns slotted home in the first-half's stoppage time.

Sam Grimshaw assisted the opening goal, and kept firing in crosses throughout the game, which should secure him a new contract for the 2022/23 season.

Three minutes into the second half, 21-year-old James Berry struck a beauty from 30 yards, which beat Ashton Athletic goalie James Aspinall.

ELEVENTH HEAVEN: James Berry was hoisted into the air by Silkmen fans after the full-time whistle, seconds before he scored The Silkmen's fourth and final goal.

2-0 up, The Silkmen went all out and played three strikers up front, a move which paid off as the third was soon to follow.

In the 65th minute, Tom Clare bagged his 20th goal of the season in an unusual fashion.

The English forward chased a stray long ball, which tempted Ashton's keeper to come out of the six yard box.

Aspinall attempted and failed a clearance, leaving Clare ahead of the fallen keeper cooly pass the ball into an empty net.

Macclesfield FC move one tier up the football pyramid, and will play in the Northern Premier League Division One West next season.

Neil Danns tried for his second goal, and was running up and down the flanks all game, until like Clare, he was substituted.

And while nerves were relaxed, the Silkmen were not untested. Efforts in the 76th and 90th minute tested Silks keeper Sam Ashton, pushing both onto the bar.

Just before the three minutes of stoppage time were announced, Macclesfield FC announcer Andy Worth proudly declared the attendance was 4,604.

Just 116 spectators shy of the 4720 allocated for the match by Cheshire East Council.

THE TWO ROBBIES: Macclesfield FC's Rob Smethurst and Robbie Savage look towards Silkmen Terrace to thank the fans.

This figure was a record for the North West Counties Football League Premier Division - and still could be bested as The Silkmen have two remaining home games to play.

As fans sung 'Championes, Championes' across the Leasing.Com Stadium, the fourth goal seemed inevitable.

Mark Duffy passed to James Berry from the half-way line. Berry sprinted down the left flank and entered Ashton Athletic's penalty area.

He then cheekily lobbed the keeper into the top left corner, and netted The Silkmen's fourth goal in the emphatic victory.

Macclesfield's Tom Clare threatened early on.

Berry's brace came just one day after he signed a permanent deal with Macclesfield FC, signing a two year deal in a record transfer Macc FC fee from Altrincham.

The Silkmen's victory over the side from Ashton-in-Makerfield near Wigan, means they are guaranteed promotion and silverware as North West Counties Football League champions.

The Silkmen are ten points clear on 85. Nearest rivals Skelmersdale United - who lost 2-1 today to Charnock Richard - sit in second place on 75 points.

The Silkmen inaugural season success means they will play in the Northern Premier League West Division next season.

The Yellows' keeper James Aspinall stretches but fails to prevent James Berry from scoring The Silkmen's second goal of the game.

Potential sides they may face include Leek Town and Newcastle Town in Staffordshire, and Glossop North End in the High Peak.

There will also be more Cheshire derbies to look forward to, as Widnes and 1874 Northwich are also opponents for Macc in the 2022/23 Northern Premier League West Division season.

After the game, some Silkmen fans went onto the pitch to celebrate with Macclesfield FC players and staff.

As some fans returned to the stands, the squad along with owner Rob Smethurst and Director of Football Robbie Savage led a victory lap for the champions.

Tom Clare is elated with James Berry as the youngster makes the score 4-0.

Macclesfield FC manager Danny Whitaker went for handshakes and hugs with fans at The Star Lane End, meanwhile BBC TV cameras filmed the success for a likely-sequel to their Making Macclesfield FC documentary.

Speaking after the match to Macclesfield FC Head of Communications Rob Trafford, Whitaker said: "It has been an incredible journey".

"To get to this stage - for everyone involved - I am so happy."

The ex-Macclesfield Town midfielder has managed Macclesfield FC to promotion at the first time of asking.

EUPHORIA: You can view the final few minutes and full-time celebrations in a video at the top of this article.

"I think back to when then club didn't have anything, but we look back now as champions," he added.

"We want to win the next few games and end the season on a high."

Macclesfield FC's next match is on March 16.

They will face county rivals Nortwich Victoria away in the Macron Cup.

Macclesfield FC Assistant Manager Pete Band embraces Neil Danns as the midfielder is substituted off. Silkmen gaffer Danny Whitaker (right) applauds the Liverpool-born player just two years his junior.

Their remaining league matches are against Avro, Congleton Town, and AFC Liverpool.

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