Salford City might have only soared up the Evo-Stik North by one place but this result is a marker that promotion is now well and truly on the cards.
The Ammies are only six points off the play-off places with a game in hand, and the defeat of former fourth placed Farsley showed that there is nothing to fear from any of the sides above. Salford City have joined the elite bunch of teams seriously chasing promotion.
Following the 2-0 win at Cammell Laird last Tuesday, the Ammies' intent was clear from the start as they matched in-form Farsley and could have taken the lead as Adam Morning wacked a shot from the edge of the area that rippled the side netting. But after half an hour, Salford did take the lead, Jamie Rother heading the ball across the area for an off balance Adam Morning to score as his shot deflected off a Farsley defender. 1-0.
The match suddenly opened up, with Farsley hitting the crossbar but Salford could have increased the lead after a brilliant Gavin Salmon flick took him past a defender and almost to the byline. With the Farsley keeper advancing Salmon squeezed the ball past him only for a desperate defender to clear off the line. In the next Salford attack Cayne Hanley powered the ball across the six yard box but Salmon couldn't quite make contact.
Salford were looking dangerous with every attack but, as usual at this level, the referee was intent on spoiling a flowing match. Every Farsley call for a foul was given, including a penalty just before half time when an attacker swan dived to the floor under the gentlest of pressure, allowing the Yorkshire team to equalise from the spot. Half time: 1-1
Fifteen minutes after the interval Salford City took the lead when Scott Metcalfe waltzed down the left wing before finding Adam Morning with a low cross which the attacker gleefully drove in from the edge of the area. 2-1.
The rest of the match would have pleased Alan Hansen, as the Ammies showed `grit and determination' to see off Farsley, with some `solid defending' and a couple of breaks from sub Ben Beresford and Gavin Salmon that could have put the game out of the Yorkshire team's reach.
With the referee deciding to playing on 'til midnight, or until Farsley – on Fergie Time – scored, there was a nervous three hours of injury time at the end. But Salford held out. Much to the joy of Ammies fans, who serenaded the team off the field with chants of `Going up…going up…going u-u-u-u-p'….
The run up to Christmas will determine Salford City's further intent, with two away games against the Ossetts (Albion and Town) and their cows, a home game against Mossley on the 17th and an away derby at Radcliffe Borough on Boxing Day. For further details see www.salfordcityfc.co.uk
• The Mossley game on the 17th December is the last chance before Santa comes to buy Salford City Christmas presents which include shirts, scarves, hats, mugs, pens, badges and Ammies-themed Christmas cards. Salford people are going to be needing these for the open top bus tour come May…
• People are always asking us why Salford City are called `The Ammies'. It dates back to when the team were called `Salford Amateurs'. It's a nickname with a roots experience…
Photos by Andrew Goudie and Gareth Lyons
Main photo: Andrew Goudie
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