Salford City cruise to victory over Ilkeston

SALFORD City FC exacted revenge on last season’s play-off finalists Ilkeston after defeat last weekend, with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Moor Lane on Saturday afternoon.

It proved a quiet first half as both sides struggled to make possession in the final third account to substantial chances. However, the Ammies proved to be the unluckier of the two sides going into half time. Their dominant performance on the pitch couldn’t break the deadlock as two shots within two minutes hit the crossbar, whilst a further disallowed goal for offside added to the anguish amongst the home fans.

The second half saw a spark of life within the Ammies side through Josh Hine making the most of a fatal error by Ilkeston’s shot stopper Jamie Hannis in the 46th minute. Andy Watson’s Ilkeston side looked lacklustre –  they simply could not find a reply to Hine’s goal. The game and result was secured in the 63rd minute, with Salford’s Jordan Hulme making the most of a nicely played ball into the let hand side of the box.

A tactical decision by Salford joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley saw the game out in the last 10 minutes, forcing natural right back Evan Gumbs to take up a central defensive midfield position whilst Hulme moved to right back.

A second consecutive win in the league for Salford sees them move up to 3rd position, as Darlington 1883 slip down to 4th place with a loss to Stoubridge. Conversely, a defeat for Ilkeston didn’t prove too costly as they stay in 12th postiton on goal difference.

Salford City’s next game is on Tuesday March 1 away to fourth place Darlington 1883 whilst Ilkeston FC face Halesowen Town.

TEAMS:

Salford City:  Dootson, Gumbs, Lynch (c), Howson, O’Halloran, Clark (70′ Allen), Stopforth, Hulme, Hine, Seddon (32′ Johnston) Webber (80′ Poole).
Subs not used:  Dawson, Moses

Ilkeston FC:  Hannis, shaw, Print, Wheatley, Baker (c), Goddard (75′ Rose), Burrows, Gordon (80′ Head), Udoh, Williams (72′ Meakin), Atkinson.
Subs not used:  Morris, Walters.

Referee: Peter Gooch
Assistants: Liam Ockleshaw & Michael Herzog

By Tyler Marriott at Moor Lane
@tmarriot167

Video credit to Salford City FC/University of Salford