Macclesfield FC are top of the table, as they leapfrogged local rivals Congleton Town in a heated derby.

A record 3,502 residents were packed in Macc to see the Cheshire East derby between the towns situated just eight miles apart.

The Bank Holiday Monday game was a 1-0 win for our town's new football club.

The winning goal came in the 56th minute from a 20-year-old midfielder.

James Berry-McNally, who has played the majority of his senior career so far without crowds, cooly linked up with Tom Clare in a spirited move down the left hand side of the pitch.

James then curled the ball round the left of Congleton keeper David Parton to send Macc in front.

However, the high numbers and high passion led to clashes between spectators in the second half. Fans of both sides were left injured from incidents in the away terrace.

A small amount of stewards and lack of police presence meant that Macclesfield FC staff had to help stop the scuffles.

Director of Football and Under 16's Manager Robbie Savage had to intervene to prevent violence which threatened the end of the game.

He bravely stood in the middle of fans who sparred and threw alcohol.

Macclesfield FC's owner Rob Smethurst also joined Savage in calming fans.

Cheshire Police kept nobody in custody last night, and no people have been arrested as of publication.

In a statement, Macclesfield FC have spoke against the behaviour.

"Further to yesterday's NWCFL Premier Division match against Congleton Town, we would like to publicly and vehemently condemn the actions of a minority of spectators," they said.

"The scenes that were witnessed in the closing stages of the game will not be tolerated by anyone at the Club and we have launched a full investigation into these, together with Cheshire Police and other external agencies.

"In addition to this, we will also be working closely with our counterparts from Congleton Town and thank them for their assistance with this."

Officers were made aware of disorder at The Moss Rose Football Ground, Macclesfield at around 4.50pm on Monday 30 August.

"Police swiftly attended the scene and a dispersal order was put in place in the area.

"There were no further reports of disorder.

"No arrests have been made at this stage.

"Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and officers are working to identify those responsible."

Congleton Town FC said: "Further to yesterday's NWCFL Premier Division match against Macclesfield FC we would like to publicly and in the strongest possible terms condemn the actions of a minority of spectators."

"The scenes that were witnessed in the closing stages of the game will not be tolerated by anyone at the Club. We are working closely with The Silkmen following their launch of a full investigation."

Macclesfield Broken Cross and Upton borough councillor James Barber said: "Big up Robbie Savage for going into the fighting crowd to calm it down - absolute legend."

It is expected that an increased steward and police presence will be at future Macclesfield home games, along with the return fixture at Congleton in 2022.

The derby - dubbed 'El Cheshico' by fans - was a sold out affair as Macc got permission from Cheshire East Council to allow more fans in.

It is unclear if this temporary licence will be applied to future fixtures. Segregation may be introduced.

It was the biggest attendance for a football game in Macclesfield since 2019.

The tension at yesterday's game against The Bears has made national news across print and broadcast media.

It has overshadowed the great start of the 2021-22 campaign for The Silkmen.

Macclesfield FC have had a super start to the season, taking 16 points from a possible 18.

They are unbeaten in six league games, and have only lost one competitive game since their formation last year.

They beat Barnoldswick Town 2-1 on Saturday, and showed remarkable resilience to beat Congleton just 48 hours later. Tom Clare and Aaron Dwyer scored.

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