Simpson praises Macclesfield players after Bolton defeat
Last updated on .From the section Football
Macclesfield Town manager Gary Simpson has heaped praise on his players' performance despite the 2-1 defeat by Bolton in the Carling Cup.
The Silkmen took the lead in the 11th minute through Emile Sinclair, but were pegged back by two second-half goals.
"I was really proud of them as they had the bravery, energy, nous and the know-how to take a game to a Premier League club," he told BBC Radio Manchester.
"They were superb and, I thought, an absolute credit to Macclesfield Town."
The Silkmen were looking to cause another upset after knocking out Championship side Hull City in the first round.
They went into half-time leading 1-0 at the Reebok and Simpson was delighted with the first 45 minutes where his side created numerous chances.
"The first half was as good as anybody could have hoped to play against a Premier League side," added the 50-year-old.
"We out passed them, out worked them, got a good goal, had chances to get a couple more and they were scratching their heads.
"We could have done better with both [Bolton] goals I thought but I'm not taking anything away.
"The fans were superb and I hope they've enjoyed themselves, the players have enjoyed themselves, they've collected a few shirts and are well happy."
Jose Veiga was forced into action more as the game went on and eventually the Wanderers second-half dominance told, with debutant Tuncay and Martin Petrov sealing the win.
The result continues Macclesfield's run of never progressing beyond the second round of the League Cup but Simpson credited the way his side approached the game.
"We had a great move the first half, I don't know how many passes it was, and we've got Drapes [Ross Draper] in and I don't know why he just didn't pull the trigger," he stated.
"If that had gone in I would have took them off and told them to get a shower as it was unbelievable.
"If Barcelona had played like that everybody would have been talking about it for years to come."
