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 off on the backfoot, being forced back into their half by the hosts. Playing against an Accrington side that like to press high up the pitch and pack the midfield, Salford struggled to progress the ball forward and retain possession in the opening stages.
As time went on, however, the Ammies began to dictate the tempo of the match 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 Shaun Whalley as the forward beat his man, drove across goal and played a ball off to unmarked Tyler Walton whose side-footed effort across goal bounced off one post and then another! A relieved Mathew Young leapt onto the ball.
There was some controversy just before the interval when Connor 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. Ossama Ashley committed to an overlapping run down the left, received possession and squared the ball for wingback Haji Mnoga to tap home tidily from close range.
Salford didn’t take their foot off the gas as the Ammies went hunting for another one. Mnoga carried the ball upfield after winning it in the middle of the pitch. He then knocked it onto Stockton’s 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 in their hunt for a second. With 6 left of regular time, the Ammies were awarded a free kick.
Luke Garbutt lofted the ball deep into the box and arriving at the back post, Cole Stockton headed the ball into the net, putting the nail in the coffin, securing the three points.
The traveling supporters serenaded the players into the final minutes with their twist on “jingle bells.”
After 6 additional minutes, referee Scott Jackson called an end to the contest handing Salford their first away win since October.
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