MACCLESFIELD Town’s manager John Askey was left reeling despite his team leading 1-0, following a contentious refereeing decision to abandon the match with 35 minutes left to play.

Askey was left bemused just after half time as referee Anthony Coggins felt that visibility was too impaired for officials and players to continue.

However, for Askey and his team the notion of frustration was very much absent throughout the afternoon.

It, of course, was a foggy affair and The Silkmen were dangerous from the outset, with Dover Athletic rarely worrying the home side’s back four.

Macclesfield pressed hard and winger Jack Mackreth linked up well with right-back and captain Andy Halls in the opening stages.

The pair were fashioning numerous opportunities from the right for in-form striker Chris Holroyd, and if not for some fine saves and the flag of the linesmen, both would have seen their efforts rewarded.

The team were finally able to capitalise towards the latter stages of the first half when Holroyd turned provider for midfielder Danny Rowe, to score his fifth of the season.

It was excellent play from Rowe, who after a storming run played a lovely one-two with Holroyd, he then took the ball in his stride to calmly slot home, despite the best efforts of Dover goalkeeper Steven Arnold.

Approaching half-time, The Silkmen’s dominance showed no sign of wavering.

Firstly, Dover’s Tyrone Sterling almost turned into his own net, forcing Arnold into a smart save, and shortly after Holroyd saw his effort shave the outside of the post.

As the two sides came out for half-time it was evident the fog build-up had worsened and after 10 minutes of play, referee Coggins consulted the two managers and decided the conditions were not fit to play.

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