Callum Hendry hat-trick seals Salford victory in 4-3 drama at Tranmere Rovers

Callum Hendry scored a special hattrick as Salford City beat Tranmere Rovers 4-3 in a chaotic game at Prenton Park.

The Salford number nine was defiant in front of goal helping to net Neil Wood’s second league win of the season.

The visiting Ammies conceded first to an early Tranmere goal as veteran Connor Jennings netted in the sixth minute.

This early lead was cancelled out in the 34th minute by Matt Smith after a Luke Bolton delivery.

However, Salford’s joy was torn apart only two minutes later after Rovers’ summer signing, experienced striker Kristian Dennis put the home side back in front.

Going into half time the teams had seemed evenly matched, although Salford were trailing, it was the second half that would prove decisive in this battle.

FT – A special @Callum_Hendry hat-trick means The Ammies come out on top in a bonkers afternoon at Prenton Park ✊

[3-4] 🦁🔴 pic.twitter.com/M6nzS7zg1E

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) August 19, 2023

The travelling Salford fans did not have to wait long as the inspired Callum Hendry drew the visitors level in the 46th minute.

From here it was all one-way Salford traffic as Hendry went on to double then triple his goal haul for the afternoon.

By the 85th minute the Ammies were leading 4-2 and the tie looked settled until Charlie Jolley firmly placed doubt back into Salford minds scoring in the 87th minute to make it 4-3.

A nervy three minutes began only to be compounded by 12 minutes of injury time that eventually became 15 as per new time recuperation rules set in action.

Under heavy Tranmere artillery fire, the Ammies managed to hold out until the final whistle, surely a little shell-shocked, but with three more points on the board.

By full time it was clear Salford deserved the win, dominating 61% of possession, making 146 more passes while having six shots on goal.

This match proved a turning point for Neil Wood’s men, looking much more threatening in front of goal as well as beating Tranmere for the first time ever in the league.

Salford move back up to 5th in the table, with Accrington Stanley visiting the Peninsula Stadium next Saturday.