Salford City’s poor League Two form continues as Walsall win 2-1

Salford City lost their third League Two game in a row at a boiling Peninsula Stadium with Walsall picking up a 2-1 victory.

The Ammies came into the game making four changes from their last league outing, a defeat away at Morecambe, with Stevie Mallan, Theo Vassell, Ethan Ingram and Declan John starting, the latter two making their home debuts.

Neil Wood’s side dominated the opening moments with driving runs from Ingram and Bolton forming what could be the start of a dangerous partnership.

This initial pressure told after 14 minutes when Matt Smith latched onto Luke Bolton’s deflected strike to bundle the ball home past Owen Evans.

The second half started in a similar manner when another one of Ethan Ingram’s driving runs left him in space but his low cross was just too far for Matt Smith to reach.

Just before the second water break of the afternoon defender Curtis Tilt hesitated on the ball and fouled Walsall substitute Aramide Oteh as he broke away.

The resulting free-kick was taken quickly and Oisin McEntee delivered a cross to Freddie Draper who found himself in acres of space to head home after 59 minutes.

Salford continued to look sloppy and a mazy run and shot from Draper produced a great save from Captain Alex Cairns with his feet only for McEntee to tap home the Saddlers’ second and eventual winner with 14 minutes to go.

A late flourish at the finish wasn’t enough to bring the match back level, leaving the visitors to take all three points back down the M6 with them.

From their opening three games of the League Two season, Salford have picked up just one point from a possible nine.

The Ammies fall to 18th position in League Two with just 7 points from 7 games this season, and losses in four of the last five matches.

Newly-promoted and in-form Notts County are next up, visiting Moor Lane on Friday 15 September at 7:45pm.