Looking for their first home win of the 2024/25 campaign, Nathan Haslam’s side fell behind to Tom Clare’s first half header before the striker turned in his second goal of the game to give the Silkmen a two-goal cushion heading into the break.

It was a pulsating contest which Whitby will feel they could have taken something from, and Joe Gibson’s 62nd-minute gave the Seasiders some hope but John Rooney all but made sure of the points with an exquisite finish just a minute later - though Stephen Walker did reduce the deficit with three minutes of normal time to play with a spot kick.

Some early running from the hosts made it a lively start, with Nathan Thomas calling Max Dearnley into action and Jake Charles being denied by a timely defensive challenge in the box.

There were few openings carved out by Robbie Savage’s men in the opening exchanges but they did take the lead in the 16th minute following a defensive disaster from the Seasiders.

After a right-wing cross was played into the box, Macclesfield took the lead when Clare’s delicate header found the net.

This preceded a more potent attacking presence from the visitors as Rooney called Shane Bland into action.

And more defensive frailty gifted Macclesfield a second in the 34th minute with Claire once again on hand to find the goal from close range.

Whitby began well after the restart, with Thomas’ shot on target held by Dearnley and Jake Charles’ effort also saved the Macclesfield gloveman.

There were rewarded for their endeavour just after the hour mark. Charles’ knock down found Gibson on the edge of the area, and his low first-time strike was perfect as he found the bottom corner.

But just a minute later, Whitby were undone by a clever finish from Rooney. Town were sloppy in possession failed and Rooney found the net with an audacious lob from around 20 yards out.

Haslam responded by making a double substitution, introducing Campbell Darcy and Josef Wheatley as he sought to halt some of their opponents' rhythm.

The Seasiders did muster a goal back in the 87th minute, thanks to Walker’s well taken penalty following a foul on Wheatley.

But it wasn't enough to spark a late comeback on this tough afternoon at home for the Seasiders.