Salford City fell to a spirited 2-0 defeat against Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Salford boss Karl Robinson had promised the contest between the two sides would be “different” from their 8-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium a season earlier and was proven right as his team produced a performance that belied the 64-place gap between the teams.
It looked like a repeat of last season’s heavy defeat could be on the cards when centre-back Alfie Dorrington turned a teasing cross from overlapping full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri into his own net to give Manchester City a sixth-minute lead.
But Salford rallied and created a golden chance to score a famous goal when striker Ryan Graydon set up Josh Austerfield inside the box, but the midfielder inadvertently contacted the ball with his standing foot and fell over.
Egyptian attacker Omar Marmoush was caught offside by Salford’s high backline before he volleyed a powerful shot into the top corner and Phil Foden blazed an effort over the bar as the seven-time Champions pressed for a second.
Robinson’s side went agonisingly close to scoring a 42nd-minute equaliser when Ben Woodburn forced goalkeeper James Trafford into a superb diving save.
Ammies centre-back Brandon Cooper glanced a header wide from a corner deep into first-half stoppage time as Manchester City survived a late scare to lead at the break.
The half-time scoreline was cruel on Salford, who had comfortably soaked up waves of home pressure and had arguably created the better scoring chances.
Even the most sceptical Salford fan standing in the packed away end would have struggled to stop themselves from dreaming about a great FA Cup shock as Robinson’s men went toe-to-toe with Manchester City for lengthy periods of the second half.
Tijjani Reijnders had an effort smothered by Salford goalkeeper Matty Young before Academy graduate Kelly N’mai forced Trafford into a smart save from close range as both teams exchanged chances before the hour mark.
Captain Luke Garbutt, the scorer of a sublime free-kick that booked Salford’s place in the fourth round, fired an effort into the wall as Salford continued on the front foot.
Pep Guardiola’s men doubled their advantage nine minutes from time when England international Marc Guehi turned home Rayan Cherki’s low centre.
Substitute Antoine Semenyo hit the base of the post with a strike across goal as Salford began to tire, but the visitors stood firm to limit the margin of defeat.
Karl Robinson, who extended his contract at the club on Friday, will hope his side can build on the strong performance as they look to achieve promotion from League Two this season.
