Star date: 25th August 2013

AMMIES HOLD BIG TIME CHARLIES FROM NORTHWICH

Salford City 0 Northwich Victoria 0

Battling Salford City held the much fancied promotion hopefuls Northwich Victoria to a goalless draw at Moor Lane yesterday, and could have nicked all the points towards the end of a hard fought contest which saw Michael Gill and Wes Bancroft go close in the final stages.

Match report and photos here…

Undefeated Salford City have now conceded just one goal in the three matches so far this season, and yesterday put up another top defensive show to keep out the big time charlies of Northwich Victoria, who are more used to playing in higher leagues.

While the Vics from the sticks had the better chances in the first half, a mix of way wayward finishing and solid Salford defending saw the scores level at half time, although the Ammies had a good shout for a penalty when a green-hooped defender handled in the box .

As the second half trundled along, the referee decided to liven up proceedings… by proceeding to hand every decision to Northwich, much to the ire of Salford fans, who responded by chanting `Come with the Northwich, you must have come with the Northwich' and applauding and howling `Hallelujah' whenever he managed to get a throw in or goal kick decision right.

As the Vics squandered the few chances that came their way, Salford pushed forward, Spanish striker Fernandez Oriol rounding the keeper from Wes Bancroft's through ball only for the stopper to recover in time to push his shot out for a corner, while Wes Bancroft himself hit a rising shot over the bar.

Sub, Michael Gill also had an effort saved late on in the game, and the Ammies had another claim for a penalty brushed away by the ref as Aaron Walters was tripped in the six yard box while he was about to head home. Meanwhile Salford keeper Kieran O'Boyle was rarely seriously troubled, punching away crosses and watching more Vics shots fly wide of his posts.

All in all, a battling draw against the much fancied, big spending Northwich will do, as the Ammies march on – three games undefeated and only one goal conceded in the 1-1 draw with Clitheroe last Tuesday night.

Next up: Bank Holiday Monday 26th August v Radcliffe Borough (away) kick off 3pm.

And next Saturday 31st August is FA Cup day, away at Cammell Laird. There is a Salford City supporters coach going to this match. Details should be on the Salford City FC website shortly – click here

Photos by Andrew Goudie and Gareth Lyons
Main photo by Gareth Lyons shows blatant penalty number two as Aaron Walters goes flying in the box