Salford City battled to a hard-fought 3-1 win over Barnet to consolidate their place in the League Two play-off places.
The hosts went close to taking the lead after seven minutes when Adam Senior failed to make contact with Ryan Glover’s teasing centre before Salford goalkeeper Matt Young claimed the ball.
Karl Robinson’s men took the lead after 34 minutes when Rosaire Longelo picked out Josh Austerfield at the back post. The midfielder’s first attempt was saved, but he followed up quickly to fire home the opener.
Salford doubled their advantage in fortunate fashion five minutes later when, in an attempt to deny striker Kallum Cesay, desperate covering defender Nnamdi Ofoborh inadvertently slid the ball into his own goal.
Barnet threatened to halve the deficit before half-time as Callum Stead forced goalkeeper Matthew Young into a smart diving save.
Sensing a bright start would put the game to bed, Salford began the second half with renewed attacking intent. A slick 51st-minute attack saw Kelly N’mai have a shot blocked inside the box.
But on an occasion where Salford were ruthless in attack, Barnet’s reprieve would not last as five minutes later N’mai’s low cross was turned home from close range by Daniel Udoh for his first League goal since October.
The only blemish on Salford’s professional performance in the capital came in the 89th minute when Oliver Hawkins forced home a late consolation goal after Young had made a double save.
While results elsewhere meant Salford remained sixth in League Two with the win, it took this season’s points tally to 36, the most ever at this stage of the season.
Karl Robinson’s side head into Christmas four points below top-of-the-tree Walsall and will look to make up ground on their promotion rivals against Harrogate Town on Boxing Day.
Nothing better than three points 🤩#BRNSAL pic.twitter.com/1rLY1Z9z6h
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) December 20, 2025
