Salford City have slipped to third place in the Vanarama National League after being held to an unlikely draw against Gateshead FC at the Peninsula Stadium.

A first-half penalty from Danny Lloyd proved to not be enough for the Ammies as the visitors quickly equalized and both teams were held to a stalemate as Salford City move from second in the National League to third.

Gateshead started off as the stronger side in the first-half as Graham Alexander’s men could not seem to move out of first gear until the 15th minute when Salford created their first opportunity.

Matt Green collected a pass from Danny Lloyd inside the Gateshead area and turned to shoot but defender Mike Williamson was there to deny the effort as he deflected the ball out for a corner.

The Ammies looked destined to score after continuing to put pressure on the visitor’s defence as Tom Walker crossed the ball beautifully to Green on the edge of the six-yard box but the attacker saw his shot go just wide of the post.

Moments later, Green made a terrific run in the Gateshead half and tapped the ball around the keeper but was brought down and a penalty was awarded to Salford. Lloyd was quick to step up for the penalty and comfortably put the ball past Aynsley Pears.

However, Gateshead were quick to get back into the game and, just before half-time, were able to equalize after a brilliant passage of play saw the ball worked to the feet of Scott Boden and the striker poked the ball into the back of Chris Neal’s net.

After the interval, neither team were able to break the deadlock after Salford’s Danny Lloyd and Gateshead’s Lewis Maloney failed to hit the target from close-range.

Salford City resorted to long balls and playing deep but Pears was forced to stay alert as the home side forced the keeper to defend multiple crosses so that his side could earn a point at the Moor Lane venue.

Kieran Glynn made his debut for the Ammies in the draw, and spoke of his delight to pull on the red top on Twitter after the game.

Next up for Salford will be a trip to Halifax Town in the Vanarama National League.

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