MACCLESFIELD TOWN 2 HEREFORD 2

New Hereford boss Richard O`Kelly seemed to be heading for a dream managerial debut before Macclesfield fought back to secure a 2-2 draw with a battling second-half display.

The Bulls made a breathtaking start when Will Evans picked out the bottom corner from 20 yards in the opening seconds.

Macc nearly grabbed an equaliser in the 18th minute when a Mark Connolly drive was palmed wide by David Cornell.

Evans repeated his early heroics with a 25-yard drive into the same corner after 25 minutes.

He was denied a hat trick by a superb stop from Richard O`Donnell shortly after the half hour and Tom Barkhuizen nearly made it three as half time approached, but was thwarted by the on-loan Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper`s outstretched leg.

Macc got back into the game in the 47th minute when Sam Wedgbury converted George Donnelly`s cross with a clinical low volley at the far post.

The Silkmen might have equalised in the 55th minute but Cornell saved Tony Diagne`s header on the line, before Hereford substitute Sam Clucas tested O`Donnell at the other end.

Matthew Hamshaw then picked out the top corner in the 78th minute with a pin point shot to earn a deserved point for Gary Simpson`s side.