Cheltenham's hopes of cementing an automatic promotion berth were severely damaged after a late strike from Macclesfield's new young star Matthew Tipton earned his side a win.

Tipton's volley flew over Steve Book in the 83rd minute and was his third goal in only four games. It came moments after his keeper Steve Wilson had made a dramatic save to deny Robins skipper Mark Yates.

Cheltenham had dominated the opening stages, twice hitting the woodwork.

Yates went close in the fourth minute with a volley from eight yards and Macclesfield midfielder Ricky Lambert hit the same upright in the 21st minute after he failed get out of the way of a fierce Neil Howarth cross.

Macclesfield: Wilson, Welch, Tinson, Ridler, Munroe, Lambert, Byrne, Whitaker, Adams, Tipton, Glover. Subs: Martin, Hitchen, O'Neill, Wooley, Aldridge.

Cheltenham: Book, Howarth, Brough, Duff, Victory, Williams, Yates, Finnigan, Milton, Alsop, Naylor. Subs: Grayson, Walker, Muggleton, Lee, Tyson.

Referee: M Dean (The Wirral)