Oliver Norburn’s second-half strike has kept Macclesfield Town well in contention for a place at Wembley after a 1-1 draw with Tranmere Rovers in their Buildbase FA Trophy semi-final first leg.
The midfielder made the most of a loose ball in the box, confidently slotting home with a clinical finish to draw his side level with 25 minutes to play.
That came after what was an explosive start by Tranmere, in the lead after just two minutes as Jeff Hughes converted a penalty after a foul in the area.
But despite being behind, Macclesfield dominated the opening stages thereon, almost equalising in fortuitous circumstances as Steve McNulty bundled the ball against his own crossbar.
Luke Summerfield’s 30-yard thunderbolt rebounded off the Tranmere wall with 20 minutes played, but that was as close as the hosts were to get in a frustrating first half.
Mitch Hancock fired wide moments into the second half, but Norburn ensured the Silkmen were eventually going to get on the scoresheet, in the right place at the right time to fire home.
Yet Steve Jennings almost put back Tranmere back ahead, save for a smart stop from Scott Flinders, a standout moment of quality in what was a scrappy second half.
And with both sides understandably desperate not to give away any further goals, a tense finale ensued as the two settled for a draw, with the second leg to come at Prenton Park next Saturday.
The winners of the tie will face either York City or Emirates FA Cup surprise package Lincoln City, with their two legs to come on Tuesday and Saturday, for the right to make Non-League Finals Day.