Can't complete Tutorial #2

[Nethog]

I'm new to M&B and am trying to complete tutorial #2 but I have tried approximately 20 times but I can never beat the Maceman at "Normal" difficulty. By normal I mean "Damage to player" and "Damage to friends" both set to Normal, Combat AI set to average, and Combat Speed set to Normal in game options. I am curious if even a veteran player can beat the Maceman with normal settings. Basically it is almost impossible to strike the Maceman with my sword and get my shield up before getting hit and I die every time.

 

[Attar]

"2 and a half months later"
Move the cursor when hitting the maceman, it will hit him hard.