What Salford City’s international break means for the team

In a fiercely competitive league such as this one, every point counts. For sides dreaming of promotion, or fighting relegation, every slight advantage feels like a superpower, and every minor setback feels like a fatal blow.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup first round at the weekend, in what turned out to be a disappointing 1-0 defeat against non-league Carlisle United, Salford are out for redemption in their upcoming league fixture against Northampton.

The international break began this week on November 10, and some of Salford City’s key players have been called up for their national teams, meaning they will not be available to play in the upcoming league tie.

Elliot Bonds has featured in ten out 14 matches in the league so far this season, playing a pivotal role in the heart of Salford City’s midfield.

Bonds will travel with the Guyanese national team to face the Cayman Islands and Puerto Rico in their bid to qualify for the Gold Cup.

Nathan Asiimwe travels with the Uganda Cranes for two fixtures against Botswana on November the 14 and 17.

The 21-year-old, currently on loan from Charlton Athletic, has appeared in seven league fixtures for the Ammies this season, playing as a right-wing-back, and could be missed as an impact player for the upcoming fixture vs Northampton.

Former Tottenham Hotspur academy prospect, Kallum Cesay will miss Saturday’s fixture to travel with Sierra Leone for two matches against DR Congo. The right winger has proven to be one of Salford’s most creative players this season with the joint most assists, despite having only started in six matches.

Although cup knockouts are almost inevitable for lower league teams, this could not have come at a worse time for Salford City.

The FA Cup is out of sight, but it’s devastation will weigh heavy. All eyes are now firmly focussed on the upcoming league fixture against Northampton, where a bruised squad will find out if their recent upset was merely a slip-up, or if cracks are beginning to show in their title charge.