With Barnet and Hereford both winning, the Silkmen pressed forward in the second half and were caught on the break when Jacques Maghoma stroked home form 12 yards. Deep in injury time, with a minority of home fans screaming abuse at the board, the game was sealed when Calvin Zola fired in the second.
"Look at teams like Aston Villa. They had to sell Young and Downing and they have struggled this year. Even clubs in the Premier League have to sell to make ends meet and that's just what Macclesfield had to do," said the veteran boss after failing to orchestrate a great escape for a second time for the Silkmen.
He added: "I came here with the brief to keep them up in nine games, I did before but I couldn't do it this time. Ask me why; it's down to injuries and confidence. The team had been decimated by injuries and if you go without a win for 23 games, you are low on confidence."
Horton, who said that he doubted that he would be involved in non-league football next year with Macclesfield, added: "We had chances again today, great chances, but that is why you have to pay money for finishers. They make the difference and that's why they cost so much.
"You know we only took the lead once while I have been here and then against Crewe we conceded quickly afterwards. The trouble is when you are down on confidence, your heads drop and you just can't respond. Again we started well today and had chances from set plays, but if you don't take your chances, you will pay for it."
