Star date: 8th August 2012 

SALFORD CITY WARM UP AGAINST WIGAN AND MACCLESFIELD

Salford City are hotting up for the new season with new manager, Darren Sheridan, and a field full of new players. Oh, and a new supporter. This week the Ammies have already played Macclesfield Town and Wigan Athletic, before the proper fixtures begin on August 18th, at home to last year's play-off losers Curzon Ashton.

Full details here…

Salford City 1 Macclesfield Town 0
Salford City 2 Wigan Athletic 3

Salford City have been warming up for the new season with friendlies against development squads from higher league footy clubs, as new manager Darren Sheridan puts together almost a completely new team.

On Saturday, Macclesfield Town, relegated from the 2nd Division last year, were lucky to escape with a 1-0 defeat, after Salford pummelled their young squad throughout the match. The tasty sounding Warwick Charlton hit the winner in proper Charlton style by slamming in a shot from just outside the area. In the second half, Nathan McDonald hit the bar as Salford City piled on the pressure and chances went begging. The Ammies could have won by a three or four goal margin but 1-0 it was at the final whistle, with a good workout for all players involved.

On Monday evening it was back to Moor Lane with a Wigan Athletic XI the visitors. The Premier League club brought another young team which rarely troubled Salford City in the first half. Indeed, the Ammies took the lead five minutes into the second half when Chris Thompson chipped the keeper.

Wigan changed half their team and their nippy forwards soon brought the pie-eaters back into the game, the first a scrappy effort in the six yard box which slithered over the line; the second a goal keeping howler with the ball flying straight through the Salford goalie's hands. Wigan got the third when, sensing a lack of keeper confidence, their winger lobbed a smart effort from far out which sailed into the net.

Undaunted, Salford City hit back, with Jimmy Holden converting a penalty after Nathan McDonald hauled down in the area. Constant waves of Salford pressure ensued as the Evo-stik First Division North side tried to square the game. Nathan McDonald rattled the post with a powerful shot on the run, and Wigan hacked a late effort off the line. The final score was 2-3 but Salford are looking good for the season, showing fighting spirit already.

`Man' of the match, though, was new supporter Reuben, a black Labrador sporting a tangerine scarf…

The new season kicks off on Saturday August 18th when Salford City `entertain' hated rivals Curzon Ashton at Moor Lane kick off 3pm.

Full details of all matches at www.salfordcityfc.co.uk 

The Salford Star will be having a full preview of the season, complete with an interview with new manager Darren Sheridan over the coming week…

Photos by Gareth Lyons