Referee Michael Ryan helped earn Bournemouth all three points at Macclesfield.

Ryan inadvertently deflected a Danny Thomas cross into the path of Alan Connell who made no mistake with a fine finish.

The former Ipswich academy player was not about to waste the chance to score his first league goal and duly gave the Cherries the lead in the 38th minute.

Macclesfield should have equalised after the break but goalkeeper Jamie Ashdown made a brilliant double save to deny Matthew Tipton and Darren Tinson from point-blank range.

But Macclesfield goalkeeper Steve Wilson was equally busy and he produced heroics in the Silkmen's goal to keep the deficit to just one as Bournemouth carved out a crucial victory at Moss Rose.

Macclesfield: Wilson, Welch, Tinson, Ridler, Hitchen, Munroe, Whitaker, Hardy, Adams, Tipton, Robinson. Subs: Martin, Lightbourne, Priest, Askey, Welsh.

Bournemouth: Ashdown, Young, Purches, Tindall, Connell, Broadhurst, Elliott, Thomas, Browning, Carl Fletcher, Holmes. Subs: Maher, O'Connor, Hayter, Stock, Tardif.

Referee: M Ryan (Lancashire).