The performance had manager Ray Lewington smiling with appreciation after the game.
Icelandic international Heidar Helguson should have opened the scoring in the 23rd minute only for Macc keeper Steve Wilson to make a stunning acrobatic save.
However, Wilson was left stranded moments later when Helguson nodded the ball over Michael Welch before lashing a low shot between the keeper's legs.
Both Gifton Noel-Williams and Paolo Vernazza then squandered good chances shooting wide from just 15 yards.
The away side were even more unlucky in the 28th minute, Macclesfield midfielder Danny Whitaker clearing a shot from skipper Neil Cox off the line.
Macclesfield had their best spell moments after the break, Whittaker embarking on a 30-yard run before crashing a long-range chip against the crossbar.
However, the game was sealed on the hour when on-loan Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant sold the defence with a superb shimmy before arrowing a low shot into the far corner.