Macclesfield 4 Barnsley 1

Last updated : 11 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Macclesfield Town dispatched a lacklustre Barnsley in the first round of the Worthington Cup courtesy of a hat-trick from 21-year-old midfield prospect Danny Whitaker in extra time.

It was the Cheshire club's third giantkilling act since they gained League status in 1997.

After Barnsley midfield man Mitch Ward hit the upright from a 23rd minute free-kick it was the home side who took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Under pressure veteran striker Kyle Lightbourne opened the scoring on the half hour with a pinpoint lob from 25 yards that left Andy Marriott stranded.

The home side then had to thank their own keeper Steve Wilson for a succession of superb point-blank range saves, but it was Macclesfield who nearly added a second in the 70th minute when Lightbourne crashed a header against the crossbar.

Barnsley set up extra time in the 84th minute when an Isaiah Rankin shot deflected into the far corner.

However, Whitaker began the rout in the first minute of the second half of extra time when he collected an unselfish pass from Matthew Tipton to drill the ball home from ten yards.

Just 60 seconds later Chris Priest was the provider, setting up an identical chance which Whitaker duly buried with glee.

The final nail in Barnsley's coffin was drilled home when Whitaker took a pass from Steve Hitchin before a curling a drive into the top corner for the first hat-trick of his professional career