Peter Thorne continued his red-hot start to the season as City fired past Macclesfield.

The veteran striker struck twice to beat Notts County on the opening day and did the same today to take his tally to four in just two league games.

Thorne, 35, opened the scoring with a fine 10th minute looping header off Joe Colebck’s excellent deep cross and tested keeper Jonathon Brain moments later with a dipping volley.

The big striker was obviously in the mood as he doubled his tally on 15 minutes with another clinical finish.

Paul McClaren headed forward and a mix-up in the centre of Macclesfield’s defence saw the ball break free to the unmarked Thorne who rifled home while the hosts looked around hoping for an offside flag.

Colbeck was put straight back in by Stuart McCall after completing a three-match suspension carried over from last season and earned his place with some quality deliveries from out wide.

He also put Thorne in for his hat-trick midway through the second half following a sharp breakaway but the ex-Cardiff man saw his shot well saved.

Macclesfield - who had defeated Championship side Blackpool in the Carling Cup midweek - posed much more of a threat after the break following their early setback and created a few clear opportunities.

However, City’s defence held firm and - after Willy Topp came on for Michael Boulding - the visitors were unlucky not to extend their lead, Omar Daley cutting inside and blasting a shot against the upright.