ACCRINGTON midfielder Andy Procter scored two priceless goals to guarantee that the Reds will play League Two football next season.
In this nervous relegation clash, Stanley needed victory to stop any chance of an instant return to non-league football and Procter curled a 25-yard strike into the net just after the restart to keep John Coleman's side safe.
Robbie Williams had put Stanley ahead on 10 minutes but John Miles scored two goals in six minutes to put Macclesfield in the driving seat.
However Procter headed home with the last touch of the first half and then scored his wonder goal to give the Reds the all-important three points.
"Last season, when we won promotion, it was joy. This season it is a relief, I don't know which is the better feeling," said boss John Coleman.
"It was an edgy game but Andy's goal would deserve to win any match - even Serie A!
"Now we can get the contracts sorted out for next season and start planning to make sure we are not in this position again."
Stanley's final match is at MK Dons next Saturday.
