Kyle Lightbourne's road to recovery led all the way to the North-East of England last night when he turned out for Macclesfield Town's second string against Hartlepool.

The Bermudian has been sidelined since October after suffering an ankle injury during the Third Division side's game at Bristol Rovers.

New manager Dave Moss put him on the bench for the league game against Leyton Orient on Saturday but decided against using him after seeing his team were on the their way to victory.

But with Macclesfield travelling to Shrewsbury Town tomorrow night, the boss obviously felt it worthwhile giving him a run out in the reserves in a bid to bring him closer to match fitness.

The Avon Insurance Division Two game finished 4-2 to Macclesfield and Lightbourne notched one of the goals that lifted the side back to the top.

It is unlikely that the big frontman will start tomorrow but he has probably assured himself of another place on the bench.

Meanwhile, Shaun Goater will have Darren Huckerby alongside him once more as Manchester City step up their promotion push on Saturday against Crewe in the First Division.

Paulo Wanchope who has returned from injury replaced Goater after 67 minutes of Sunday's 3-1 victory over Bradford City.

That appearance prompted talk of an immediate recall to Kevin Keegan's starting line-up, however the boss is set to stick with the prolific duo of Goater and Huckerby for the immediate future.

Wanchope is still lacking match fitness after his knee operation and will be reintroduced to the team slowly.