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Macclesfield promoted to League Two after win secures National League title

Danny Whitaker and Mitch Hancox celebrate during the Vanarama National League match between Eastleigh and Macclesfield Town
Image: Mitch Hancox (R) celebrates Macclesfield's second goal against Eastleigh with Danny Whitaker

Macclesfield will return to League Two next season after a 2-0 win over Eastleigh secured the Vanarama National League title with a game to spare.

The Silkmen, who were relegated at the end of the 2011-12 season, built an unassailable 10-point lead over Tranmere thanks to their comfortable victory at Silverlake Stadium.

John Askey's men kicked off knowing victory would be enough to lift the title and they got off to a great start thanks to Tyrone Marsh's third minute goal, when he converted a cross from David Fitzpatrick.

Eastleigh created a couple of half chances, but rarely threatened Macclesfield 'keeper Shwan Jalal and added to their lead on the hour.

Danny Whitehead sent over a cross which was not cleared properly and Mitch Hancox picked the ball up just outside the box and curled a shot past Ross Flitney.

And there would only be minor scares over the last 30 minutes, with the final whistle seeing many of the near 500 Macclesfield fans who made the 200-mile journey south invade the pitch.

Macclesfield will be able to celebrate their title success on the final day of the season next Saturday when they host Dagenham & Redbridge at Moss Rose.

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At the other end of the table, Torquay United will play in Vanarama National League South next season after their relegation was confirmed, joining Guiseley and Chester.

The Gulls, a league side as recently as 2013-14, drew 1-1 with Hartlepool but did not get the help they needed from other teams to keep their hopes alive into the final week of the season.

One of those National League places will go to Salford City, who were crowned National League North champions despite losing 2-1 at home to Boston United.

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