Salford City narrowly missed out on the playoffs following a 2-2 draw away to Carlisle. Cole Stockton and Hakeeb Adelakun’s goals weren’t enough as the Ammies season ended on the road.
It was Salford who got us underway at Brunton Park, kicking off their final league match of the season.
In the opening stages, Carlisle emerged with a few chances to take the lead but failed to trouble keeper Matthew Young.
Ossama Ashley went down in the opening five minutes, grasping onto his leg. The Midfielder played through the pain but was eventually replaced by Lewis Warrington.
Salford was presented with a great chance to take the lead following a Hakeeb Adelakun ball towards the back post.
The attacker’s driven ball met Cole Stockton at the back stick who failed to capitalise thanks to some impressive keeping from Gabe Breeze.
Though their fate of relegation was already confirmed, Carlisle wasn’t prepared to lie down and hand over the win.
Sean Fusire danced down the right flank. The Sheffield Wednesday loanee cut back just before the by-line, playing a cross-goal pass to the feet of Stephen Wearne who fired home the opener.
Just minutes later, the Cumbrians had a second.
Once again Salford was caught on the right. Jack Ellis found himself in an almost identical position to Fusire. His delivery found Mathew Dennis, who doubled the hosts lead, leaving the away end stunned in silence.
The pressure was starting to get to Salford. An aggressive approach from the jump left players restless as their playoff ambitions edged further away.
A lifeline was presented however as Salford was awarded a free kick in a dangerous position.
Ben Woodburn stepped over the set piece. He curled the dead ball towards the front post.
Reacting fastest was Stockton, who thumped his head towards the ball, which flew into the back netting.
The traveling fans came back into voice as the Salford players charged back to the center circle.
Salford piled on the pressure towards the back end of the half. Numerous chances emerged but none were capitalised on and the Ammies entered the break trailing by a single goal.
Emerging from the interval saw Salford replace Luke Garbutt with Josh Austerfield.
Salford started the half-hot. Kelly N’Mai played Woodburn through on goal. The midfielder’s shot was struck well but failed to beat an agile Breeze.
The hosts had a chance to kill the game off just before the hour mark.
Captain Curtis Tilt put his body on the line to block a Carlisle shot. His effort prevented what would’ve been a curtain goal.
The visitors were building, and eventually, they had their equaliser.
Adelakun carried the ball on the left. He found N’Mai in the box who played a give and go back to the attacker. Adelakun elected to shoot towards the near post of Breeze catching the keeper off guard, and clawing Salford back into the match.
As the clock dwindled, Salford just couldn’t find a way through the Carlisle backline. After five minutes of additional time, the referee called an end to the contest.
Players dropped to the ground, heartbroken over the result.
For the final time this season, the Salford faithful serenaded the players and coaches off as they left Cumbria with just the point.
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