Now Listen To A Story About A Team That's Zed…
Banjos and cows' arses came to mind as Rossendale United descended from the hills to whittle Salford down to size. In contrast to last Tuesday's all action win against Fylde, the Ammies seemed to think they could just sit in their metaphorical rocking chairs, sucking grass, and the points would be theirs against a team with just nine points to their name all season.
For Rossendale, this was their cup final, a chance to drag Salford back into the relegation scrap. And the hillbillies, with a team full of burly Jethros, hustled and bustled and took the points to the back of beyond. Thanks to a heapin' helpin' of hospitality from the Salford defence…
After a bit of slick Salford play early on, Rossendale took the lead from a through ball that caught the Ammies rearguard coming on like rigid possums, as Tom Smith hit a shot that seemed to squirm through new goalie, Scott Tynan's legs.
Rhodri Giggs could have equalised ten minutes later when clean through. But he wafted his shot over the bar. After half time, Salford huffed and puffed but the Rossendale back line held out well, and the hillbillies increased their lead with 15 minutes to go. A corner from the left seemed to deceive everyone but the post and as the ball rebounded, Ellis fired in to make it two goals from about three shots.
There was still a feeling that if Salford could pull a goal back Rossendale would fold but it wouldn't come, and Rossendale had the best of the latter chances as the Ammies pushed forward, leaving huge gaps for their forwards to exploit. A very late header from Domaine Rouse bounced off the bar, and that was as good as it got for Salford.
So rock bottom Rossendale, who should have been relegated last year but for the fluke folding of other teams, won their cup final and live to fight a few more days.
What's the old hillbilly joke? Elly May...but Rossendale did…
Hope you folk will all come back next Tuesday when Salford City take on nearest rivals Ossett Albion at Moor Lane 7:45pm
More match reports and banter from Salford City here
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