Macclesfield boss Robbie Savage on prospect of FA Trophy run and whole-squad mentality

The Silkmen enjoyed a memorable run to the semi-finals of the competition last season before falling to a 2-1 defeat at eventual winners Gateshead at the semi-final stage.

During that run, they progressed through seven rounds - defeating higher-level opposition on four occasions - and produced some memorable performances, including a 5-0 thrashing of National League South side Dorking Wanderers.

This term, they have already beaten City of Liverpool and Ashton United - a much-changed side putting the Robins to the sword during a 7-1 win in the first round proper, with six different players getting on the scoresheet.

Up next is a trip to National League North Curzon Ashton, one of the teams who Macclesfield beat en route to the last four in 2023/24.

Curzon find themselves third in their division, two points off top spot, after a bright start to the season, and Macclesfield boss Savage says it will be as tough an assignment as they come for his runaway Northern Premier League leaders.

He also hinted that rotation may come into his thinking, having seen a much-changed Silkmen XI impress in the previous two rounds.

On the prospect of another cup adventure, Savage said: "We'll take every game as it comes.

"Against Curzon Ashton, we know it'll be a really tough test. They're absolutely flying in the league above.

"They owe us one from last season, when we went there and put in a brilliant performance.

"Any team we put out, we feel like it's got an opportunity to win a game of football. We have an incredible group.

"It's not just about the starting XI or the 16 [on a matchday], it's about the whole group.

"When you're coming to training with a smile on your face and working hard, you need opportunities. Some of those lads deserve opportunities, and they'll get it on Saturday."

On the league front, Macclesfield's start under new boss Savage - who took charge over the summer, replacing Michael Clegg - has been impressive.

They have picked up 14 wins from their opening 16 games, drawing the other two, and sit 13 points clear at the top of the division with three games in hand.

Their only two defeats of the season in all competitions came courtesy of a 4-2 defeat at National League Tamworth in the FA Cup, and a Cheshire Senior Cup defeat to Stalybridge Celtic which saw a much more youthful side feature.

While league matters are seen as the priority for Macclesfield this season, Savage admits that cup competitions will provide a chance for some of his fringe players to push their way into the reckoning.

"They're a group who want to learn, push each other and strive to be the best. There's undoubted talent," he added.

"It's all about the squad, and this is a great time to utilise that squad and keep the spirits high, to keep everyone believing that they can play every single week.

"We're looking forward to Saturday. It'll be a tough test, but it's an opportunity for some [players] to stake their claim."