FOOTBALL: Salford let two goal lead slip late on to draw with Tranmere

Salford City had to settle for a 2-2 draw with Tranmere Rovers after conceding two goals in six minutes in the Skybet League Two fixture at the Peninsula Stadium.

Graham Alexander named an unchanged side from the Stevenage win last weekend, with Ash Hunter, Ian Henderson and James Wilson all starting for the Ammies.

It was the perfect start for the home side after they found themselves ahead after just two minutes thanks to midfielder Richie Towell.

Some smart link up play down the left saw Wilson cross the ball for Towell, who’s shot deflected off a Tranmere defender over the helpless Joe Murphy in the Rovers net .

After the goal Salford began to boss possession well with some nice touches in the centre of the park as they looked to press on and find a second.

After just 20 minutes, Salford’s great ball retention was certainly rewarded as Wilson doubled the lead for the home side with a spectacular strike.

The forward travelled with the ball before shifting it on to his left foot and curling an effort beautifully from all of 30 yards past the despairing dive of Murphy.

As the second half started the away side came out and began to dominate possession, but hardly troubled Vaclav Hladky in the Salford goal.

This was all about to change when Salford’s midfield general, Darron Gibson, was forced off through injury in the 79th minute to be replaced by Tom Elliott.

This change saw the home side lose second balls in the centre of the park and allowed the visitors to push forward and attack.

The pressure on the Salford backline was finally breeched on the 86th minute, thanks to a wonder strike by Tranmere’s Kieron Morris.

The Tranmere man was able to run and shoot unopposed, unleashing an unstoppable effort into the top right corner of the Salford net.

Graham Alexander must have hoped his side could have seen the game out for the win on his birthday, but Paul Lewis had other ideas on the 92nd minute.

A scramble in the Salford box fell to the unmarked Lewis who smashed a shot low to the left of Hladky’s goal to steal a point for the visitors.

Speaking to Salford Now after the game on whether or not his side can bounce back after this game , Alexander stated: “Of course that’s the focus we want to have but I want it to hurt today, I want it to serve as a lesson.”

Fulltime: Salford City 2-2 Tranmere Rovers