Richie Towell’s superb 25-yard strike cancelled out Scott Fraser’s opener to earn Salford City an FA Cup replay at League One’s Burton Albion.
Salford City welcomed league one side Burton Albion to the Peninsula Stadium on Saturday, in what promised to be a gritty affair on a bitterly cold November afternoon.
Both teams started brightly as they looked to advance into the second round.
Albion winger David Templeton blazed over from a tight angle before Salford forward Luke Armstrong responded with a low shot driven straight at Albion’s formidable goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara.
Albion thought they had broken the deadlock in the 31st minute when John O’Toole bundled the ball over the line following some lacklustre defending, only for his effort to be ruled out for a handball in the build-up.
Salford’s best chances were created down the left wing, with left back Ibou Touray providing an attacking outlet through surging runs and tempting crosses.
These were swiftly dealt with by the Burton Albion defence, denying captain Adam Rooney any sight of goal.
Following an evenly-contested opening 45 minutes, both sides headed into the half-time break with the score locked at 0-0.
Burton started the second half on the front-foot, creating chances through intricate passages of play down the left wing.
Ryan Edwards powered a wonderful chance narrowly wide of the post following Nathan Broadhead’s teasing delivery.
Salford responded well, with captain Adam Rooney evading the offside trap following a long ball over the top of Albion’s defence, only to be thwarted by O’Hara at the near post.
Minutes later it was Burton’s turn to come close to breaking the deadlock.
Midfielder Stephen Quinn firing just wide following a cleverly worked set piece, before a well-worked attack ended with Salford goalkeeper Chris Neal tipping Joe Sbarra’s dipping half-volley over the bar.
The breakthrough eventually came in the 78th minute, with Scott Fraser turning home another testing Broadhead delivery across the six yard box following some smart build-up play.
With 12 minutes plus added time to save their FA Cup campaign, Salford knew they had to respond swiftly.
And respond they did, as Richie Towell drove towards the Burton goal before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the top left corner from 25 yards.
? "We're still in the hat for the draw"
Richie Towell scored a superb goal to force a replay against Burton Albion in the #EmiratesFACup… pic.twitter.com/oCnrjT7XM0
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) November 9, 2019
Burton had the chance to steal victory in added time, with Liam Boyce blazing over from close range, before Salford threatened through several set pieces in the closing exchanges.
As Salford goalkeeper Chris Neal was announced as the much deserved man of the match, the contest came to an end with both sets of loyal fans applauding their teams valiant efforts.
Following the games conclusion, the two sides will meet again in the coming weeks to settle the tie and decide who will advance into the FA Cup Second Round.
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