Salford City earned a 1-0 victory over local rivals Stockport County in a thrilling victory in the first leg of the all-Manchester League Two play-off semi final.
The game started at 1,000 miles an hour pace with both sides looking to open the other up with fast flowing attacking football.
The visitors started the game more positively, with a strike from Jack Stretton lashing the woodwork in a nervy opening period for the Ammies, Myles Hippolyte also delivered a wicked cross into the middle but it was well gathered by the keeper.
Callum Hendry took a knock very early into the game but was able to carry on. The first good chance for Salford fell to Callum McAleny who drove the ball towards the goal at 9 minutes but it was well saved by the Stockport keeper.
Salford began to up the already fast tempo after the 10th minute and were rewarded with a great goal, scored by Matt Smith. The 6 ft 6 in striker latched onto the end of a teasing cross from Elliot Watt. Smith rose highest to bag his 13th goal of the season and it could be the most important one for the former Leeds United frontman.
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— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) May 14, 2023
More fast-flowing attacking football followed from Salford, with winger Luke Bolton impressing down the right. His pace, precision and desire made him the standout player in the first half for the Ammies.
Stockport were limited to half chances for the rest of the first half, thanks particularly to Ibou Touray in defence. Watt received an early yellow card though for a tug on Hippolyte’s shirt on 33 minutes.
The rest of the first half was controlled by Salford with the Ammies having plenty of the ball and using it well in attacking areas, but could not find a second before the half-time whistle.
Salford started the second half excellently looking to get on the front foot and put pressure on the Stockport back line. On 65 minutes Stockport made changes bringing on Ryan Rydell and Aaron Rowe for Ryan Croasdale and Hippolyte. This change benefitted Stockport in attacking areas, with the South Manchester side ramping up the pressure.
On 84 minutes Salford’s fullback Liam Shephard brought down Chris Hussey, but the freekick didn’t trouble the Salford keeper.
Salford introduced Matty Lund and Callum Morton to add something different in the last four or five minutes and the Ammies held out to go to Edgeley Park with a one-goal advantage.
.@AlexCairns30 reacts to a big win in the first leg and securing a clean sheet 🗣️
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) May 13, 2023
Goalscorer Matt Smith said after the game: “Yes, it’s pleasing to go into the second leg with a lead under our belts. It is what we set out to do so we’re happy to have the advantage.
“It means nothing if we can’t finish the job. You can’t be happy with just reaching the playoffs. We want to go out and win it.
“I’m enjoying my football here at Salford and it would be pleasing to get to Wembley and make history. I’m excited for the second leg. We need our own game plan and execute it the best we can. The lead is important because it’s something we can hold on to.
“It’s going to be a different occasion at Stockport – a tough test. We have a hard 90 minutes but hopefully we can see it through.”
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