Salford City picked up their first away win in nearly two months thanks to goals from Haji Mnoga and Cole Stockton.
Salford started the match on the backfoot. With Accrington pressing high up the pitch and packing the midfield, Salford struggled to progress or retain possession in the opening stages.
As time went on, however, the Ammies began to dictate the tempo and found confidence creating chances.
With a bit of fancy footwork, skilful winger Kelly N’mai glided past his marker and teased a ball into the box which narrowly evaded Salford’s attackers.
The best chance of the half came from the visitors not long after N’Mai’s effort. All eyes were on Accrington’s Whalley as the forward beat his man, drove across goal and played a ball off to unmarked Walton whose side-footed effort across goal bounced off one post and then another. A relieved Young leapt onto the ball.
There was some controversy just before the interval when O’Brian kicked N’mai off the ball. Though in view of the fourth official, no cards were shown to the frustration of Salford players and staff alike.
Salford couldn’t have started off better from the restart. Ashley committed to an overlapping run down the left, received possession and squared the ball for wingback Mnoga to tap home tidily from close range.
Salford didn’t take their foot off the gas as the Ammies went hunting for another. Mnoga carried the ball upfield after winning it in the middle of the pitch. He then knocked it to Stockton who played a lovely ball across goal but it was met by a red shirt.
Salford wanted to put the game out of doubt, piling on the pressure. With six minutes left of regular time, the Ammies were awarded a free kick.
Garbutt lofted the ball deep into the box and, arriving at the back post, Stockton headed the ball into the net, securing the three points.
The travelling supporters serenaded the players into the final minutes with their twist on “Jingle Bells.”
After six additional minutes, referee Scott Jackson called an end to the contest handing Salford their first away win since October.
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