Macclesfield forced a corner within the first minute but Durkan's flag-kick was punched away by Clarke who was being fouled.

Clarke was then forced to race from his goal and awkwardly hit away a long through ball that was pursued by Tracey.

Home defender Tinson needed treatment after six minutes after he injured himself in a late challenge on Bennett who had embarked on a thrusting run through the centre.

Tinson was booked for the foul and left looking rather uncomfortable with his knee.

There was a scare for Harriers on 10 minutes when Glover out-jumped Clarkson after a Hitchin cross and directed a header goalwards.

Harriers experienced keeper appeared to have saved easily but the ball slithered from his grasp and he had to dive onto the ball as it threatened to cross the goal-line.

The injured Tinson was replaced by Came on 11 minutes.

Adams had to hook the ball off the Macclesfield goal-line on 15 minutes when Broughton surged into the box from the left wing and drove the ball across the face of goal. Tim Clarke

Tracey took aim from the edge of the box on 22 minutes but Harriers' keeper Clarke was grateful to see his drive heading straight at him.

Broughton hit over the Macclesfield bar one minute later after a giant leap to meet Shail's inviting right wing cross.

Macclesfield forced a corner on 22 minutes when Shail slid in to tackle Glover and Clarke did well to eventually gather Durkan's dangerous set-piece.