Career
Born in Hayfield, Derbyshire, he began his playing career in local-league football with Godley Athletic and Copley Celtic. In 1919, he joined Lancashire Combination side Stalybridge Celtic. Stalybridge left the Football League in 1923 to play in the Cheshire County League, where Mace was described as one of the best goalkeepers in the competition.
In May 1925, he was signed by Third Division North side Nelson, for a transfer fee of £100, as an understudy to Harry Abbott.
He found it difficult to supplant Abbott and hence it was almost a year before he made his Nelson debut in the 3–3 draw with Chesterfield on 20 April 1926. He remained in goal for the following five matches, but the team suffered defeat in all five games and Mace was dropped following a 2–7 loss away at New Brighton.
He made his final appearance for Nelson in the final match of the 1926-1927 season, a 0–2 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers. He was offered a contract by the club for the 1927-1928 season, but he rejected it and opted instead to move into non-League football with Macclesfield Town, where he ended his career.