Salford City had to defend well to earn a point against in-form and promotion-chasing AFC Wimbledon.
It was the Ammies’ final home game before Christmas and there was a sense of festivity throughout the Peninsula Stadium.
As the players walked out the fans sang club anthem ‘Dirty Old Town’ to remember Pogues singer Shane McGowan as he sadly passed away on the 30th November.
It was Salford that had the first chance of the game, with Kelly N’Mai having a shot after just 2 minutes which required a smart stop from Dons keeper Alex Bass.
It was then Wimbledon that began to have the lion’s share of the ball despite Salford defending well and holding it well when they had it.
Salford then looked to counterattack with Declan John, but he was brought down by Dons skipper Jake Reeves who was shown an early yellow card.
Despite Wimbledon having the majority of the chances in the game Salford did manage to create a couple of chances of their own.The best of which fell to Matt Smith on 32 minutes who launched his shot far over the bar.
Despite the Ammies defending excellently amid runs from Ali Al-Hamadi, it was a stalemate of a first half at Moor Lane.
The second half started with the Dons again on the front foot and their pressure almost paid dividends when they had their best chance of the game through flying winger Josh Neufville, his effort dragged just wide of the post on 52 minutes.
The away side then went close again on 56 minutes when Iraqi international Ali Al-Hamadi cut inside using his lightning-quick pace, to go around keeper Cairns who rushed out, before he shot just wide of Alex Cairns’ near post.
Nmai won a free kick on 61 minutes, which was taken by McAleny, his shot almost catching Dons keeper Alex Bass out.
Later into the second half Nmai began to start looking a threat for Salford late on, his confidence and determination seemed to grow as the game ticked on.
The young winger was causing problems for Dons fullback Huseyin Biler. His shot on 67 minutes tested Alex Bass who had to react quickly to get down to his right-hand side to deny the Dutchman.
Al-Hamadi crossed well to find fullback Jack Currie in space, who fired a rocket of a shot towards the top left corner, with Alex Cairns producing a fine save which kept the game at 0-0.
The last 20 minutes saw both sides throw caution to the wind to claim three points.
Nmai looked the most likely for Salford with his desire and mentality showing through as he looked to drive his team forward and try to find a winner.
Dons danger man and top scorer Al-Hamadi has 13 goals this season and had a good chance late on but again couldn’t hit the target, firing well wide.
It finished 0-0 at the Peninsula Stadium as Neil Wood’s side kept their first home clean sheet of the season. The draw kept Salford in 20th place, ahead of a trip to Colchester on Friday night.
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