Sir Alex Ferguson enjoys day at local side Macclesfield

Macclesfield Town were cheered on by Sir Alex Ferguson as they recorded an eighth victory in 10 matches to stay top of the National League.

Ferguson took advantage of a blank Premier League weekend to support one of his local clubs and was among 1,600 fans who watched them take the points against Ebbsfleet with the only goal after 42 minutes from Mitch Hancox.

Assistant-manager Steve Watson, formerly of Newcastle and Everton, said: ‘It gives everyone a lift when they see someone of that stature at our game.

‘He popped into the office before the game to have a chat with the manager John Askey and myself and it might have done some good!

‘All credit has to go to the lads though, they are on a great run.’

Macc are enjoying a revival under Askey and chairman Mark Blower having suffered the tragic deaths of manager Keith Alexander and player Richard Butcher and relegation from The Football League in 2012.

Goalkeeper Shwan Jalal made two excellent saves to keep Ebbsfleet at bay and Danny Whittaker needed treatment for a bloodied nose after being elbowed on his 400th game.

The Silkmen are a point clear of Dover with the champions winning automatic promotion to League Two.