Salford were able to complete a late comeback to make it eight wins in a row for Ammies, winning the game 2-1.
A goal against the run of play from Exeter looked like it could be enough to snatch a point for the visitors after Salford’s Garbutt clawed one back, but it was defender Will Aimson with a stunning long-distance strike to complete the comeback for the hosts.
This result has left the Ammies firmly at the top of League.
The first strong attack of the game came from the home side, with Abraham Odoh being able to break free into space down the right-hand side; he was unable to make the final pass, though as the ball went out to touch.
Salford continued to have the lion’s share of possession in the opening minutes, but poor defensive play allowed Exeter to get a shot from distance and a penalty call on Exeter’s George Birch.
The first corner of the game went to the Grecians, who were doing well to hold the ball around the Ammies penalty area. The corner came to nothing for the visitors, though.
What followed was a display of frustration for Salford City as, despite controlling much of the ball, they could not beat the press from Exeter, who successfully limited them to their own half.
Salford were nearly able to get the first goal of the game in the 14th minute, with clever play leaving Woodburn one-on-one with the keeper. Both players slid into the loose ball, leading to the referee calling a foul on Jack Bycroft, Exeter’s number one, as Woodburn was deemed to have gone too far into the challenge that would have finished the move.
Will Norris was forced to save a dangerous free kick that he gave away himself on the edge of the area. The stopper dove deep to his left to prevent a low driven shot from finding the back of the net.
Exeter struggled to keep a hold of Salford as Peter Cklamovski began to break through the visitors’ defence, finding more and more space on the wings.
Against the run of play, it was Exeter who broke the deadlock as a scramble in the box led to a shot from Cox that curled onto the line. It was heartbreak for Ammies fans as the ball rolled over the line, taking a deflection from Bonds, Salford City 0-1 Exeter.
Scully nearly doubled the deficit for Salford City as the Ammies defenders left the attacker open in the box to take a shot, but it flew wide of the post.
A free kick from Exeter was the final real chance of the half, as the visitors had turned the tide of the game and began dominating possession in the home box. The set piece amounted to naught, though, as the ball slammed into the Ammies wall.
Tempers flared after the first-half whistle, though, as Odoh kicked the ball into Luca Woodhouse. This resulted in both sets of players squaring off, requiring referee intervention. It had been a fiery first half as Salford City fans made their voices heard towards the referee and the visiting team.
It was a slow start to the second half, brought alive when Taylor Perry went over the advertising boards following a push from Wiredu; the referee deemed no foul play had taken place.
Molyneux was forced off due to injury within ten minutes of the first half, with Daniel Udoh coming on in his stead.
The Ammies looked far more lively in the minutes after the break but struggled to create any real chances; a cross from Garbutt into the box nearly landed in a dangerous area, but Bycroft was able to clear it away. Salford seemed determined to score but were unable to create the chance.
Norris was forced into a save after an impressive display from Birch, who was able to dribble past two defenders before placing his shot into the near corner.
The home side keeper dived well to get a hand on the ball. The save proved to be even more vital as Salford launched an attack up the other side of the pitch; finally taking advantage of their impressive display in the second half, captain Luke Garbutt was able to tuck the ball in at the far post following a great cross from Langstaff in the 65th minute, Salford City 1-1 Exeter City.
The game grew fiery as it progressed, as players clashed with one another, both teams seeming desperate to get the goal that would put them ahead.
Salford nearly got that chance as Udoh was in acres of space following a long ball as he successfully rounded the keeper, but he was unable to find the finish, being blocked from a tight angle.
Salford finally got their moment in the 87th minute as Will Aimson stunned the Peninsula with a strike from outside the box. The Peninsula Stadium erupted as Salford City made it an eighth win in a row to stay top of League Two.
A final corner for Exeter proved to be the last chance of the game but the visitors were unable to convert. Salford City are next in action against Carlisle away for the FA Cup first round.
