David Artell has hailed the club’s away support after they made the long trip to Eastleigh in the Emirates FA Cup first round.

They certainly made some noise at the Silverlake Stadium and would have been disappointed that we couldn’t quite see out those last few minutes and avoid a replay at Gresty Road.

Artell told the club’s official website: “The fans were terrific at Eastleigh. It was a long journey down there and back and they never shut up in the game. They were brilliant again and we need them to be.

“They give you that extra lift when you need it and they make such a difference.

“Some of the criticism we received after the game was unfair. We just do not turn up and roll over good teams from the National League at their home ground. They have a good home record and have good players.

“Football doesn’t work like that. They are at home, they lost in the play-offs to Salford last season and when you put the FA Cup into the mix then it is difficult. If it had been Salford, I’m sure there would have been a lot of supporters saying that was a terrific result away from home.

“I hear we have sold over 1,000 for Macclesfield.  That is a terrific effort again and it is sure to be a great atmosphere, like it was last season. It is a bus trip away if you like to Macclesfield rather than Eastleigh with a 5.30 kick off time.”