Salford City got back to winning ways with a 2-1 win at home against Swindon Town thanks to a superb volley from substitute Jon Taylor.

It did not take long for the hosts to get up and running as Salford winger Kelly N’Mai opened the scoring inside three minutes. After being picked out by Dan Chesters’ cross, N’Mai took a touch before blasting the ball low past visiting keeper Daniel Barden, increasing his season tally to two goals.

As the opening stages of the game ticked by, Salford muscled their way into the ascendancy. Karl Robinson’s side enjoyed the majority of the possession which they used to launch a number of promising attacks.

The visitors’ only shot of the half was taken by striker Harry Smith who snuck through the Salford backline but failed to cause any threat with his strike going well wide.

After skilfully beating his man with a few step overs, Nmai saw his powerful effort tipped over the bar by Baden.

Salford found one more chance at the backend of the half with Cole Stockton striking over the goal following a scramble for the ball in the 6-yard box.

Salford City fans enjoyed Kelly N’mai’s opener. (Image credit: Bix Williams)

The visitors came back out in the second half better drilled and found more success in stopping Salford from controlling the match. In the 49th minute, Joel Cotterill found space deep into the Salford half, sending a lofted ball into Smith which didn’t look to pose much threat. Smith however used his stature to shake off his man before firing the ball low past Jamie Jones to level the scores.

Dan Chesters had an impressive performance but was forced off the field due to an injury. He was replaced by Jon Taylor.

Swindon’s more direct approach to the half saw the momentum looking to switch.

It did not take long for Taylor to make an impact, with the substitute regaining Salford’s lead in the 69th minute. After N’mai’s inswinging cross was blocked, Ben Woodburn lofted the ball back into the danger area which was cleared by Swindon but only as far as Taylor who took the chance on first time, volleying the ball into the left-hand corner.

The visitors looked hungry to level the game up again and came close when a perfectly weighted ball pierced through the Salford midfield and backline leaving Kabongo Tshimanga through on goal but Jones managed to hold his ground making a huge save to deny the substitute.

Swindon continued to pile on the pressure with Tshimanga finding himself on the end of a well-placed Tunmise Sobowale cross but once again, he failed to convert.

As the time dwindled, Salford kept their energy levels high as they looked to close out the game. Eventually, referee Darren Dryside called an end to the fixture, moving Salford up to 15th in the table.

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