Salford City were shown two late red cards as they lost for the third game on the bounce against AFC Wimbledon.
A trip to the capital awaited Karl Robinson’s men who showed glimpses of getting a result throughout the match but ultimately fell short.
Naming an unnamed team from the defeat to Walsall, Salford got the game underway at a cloudy Plough Lane.
The Ammies got off on the front foot asking questions of the Wimbledon defence who looked timid in the opening minutes.
The high pressing nearly paid off with Mathew Lund making himself a nuisance as a blocked clearance found the ball at the feet of Callum Hendry whose tame effort did not challenge Alex Bass in the Dons’ net.
Just before the interval Lund’s work rate got the better of Wimbledon again as he snatched the ball off of a blue shirt and his effort on goal forced another stop.
Referee Ben Atkinson didn’t shy away from a booking brandishing six yellow cards to Salford in the first half alone.
Early into the second half Adrian Mariappa was forced out of play with an injury that put him in some discomfort.
Salford were knocking on the door with their best chance of the match arriving just after the hour mark. Hendry ripped the ball from a Wimbledon defender leaving him with just the keeper to beat.
The number nine elected to lay it off to Conor McAleny whose attempt was met by a strong save from Bass.
These missed chances came back to bite Salford as a lofted ball into the area was met by Omar Bugiel who was the best of the bunch as he headed the ball past Alex Cairns to give the hosts the lead.
With the clock running down and the atmosphere increasing, Salford was presented with a golden opportunity as a newly implemented Matt Smith knocked the ball on to Lund who set through substitute Kelly Nmai who was brought down inches from the box.
Thank you to those of you that travelled down today, loud and supportive throughout 🦁🔴 pic.twitter.com/ihbWUHCgNx
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) April 6, 2024
Three red shirts stepped over the free-kick but a miscommunication saw a Wimbledon man pounce on the error and clear the ball, something which infuriated the visitors as they believed an obstruction happened.
Captain Elliot Watt was shown his second yellow of the day for dissent and was shortly followed by Theo Vassell who was believed to have been given a straight red for the same reason.
Shortly after the play resumed, Atkinson blew for full time bringing an end to what was a frustrating game for Robinson’s men as their status in the division is still not confirmed.
The Ammies welcome Bradford City to Moor Lane next weekend with just three games of the 2023/24 season remaining.
Recent Comments