Star date: February 27th 2011

Bamber Bridge 2 Salford City 2

SALFORD FIGHT BACK

Two goals down at half time, Salford City fought back with two goals to earn a point at high flying Bamber Bridge on a swamp-cum-sand pit of a pitch.

Match report and sand pit photos here…

The sand was so thick in one of the goalmouths that some of the younger members of Salford City's away support were tempted to jump over the barriers and build a sand castle.

It wouldn't have made a difference because in the end no-one managed to score in that goal. The action in both halves was at the other end where the blinding sun, combined with a penalty area mud slide and a strong wind, contrived to stifle both keepers' attempts to keep a clean sheet.

So this was definitely a game of two halves. The first period saw Bamber kicking towards the light, and scoring twice. The first came from a header via short cross, and the second from a free kick that Salford keeper, Andy Robertson, managed to push onto the bar, only for an onrushing Bamber forward, obviously wearing shades, to nod into the net.

Both goals were the cue for some of the tackiest goal celebrations you're ever likely to hear, as strains of La Bamba were blasted through the pa. Even the Bamber Bridge fans seemed to be cringeing…

Meanwhile, a Steve Foster lob that bounced off the bar was the closest to a goal for Salford City in a first half that saw Rhodri Giggs' team almost overun.

The second half was a different game completely with Salford pulling a goal back almost immediately, Martyn Andrews getting his head to a corner swung in menacingly from the right.

Salford equalised shortly after, Jordan Goodeve hitting a lob from all of 40 yards that sailed over the Bamber keeper, stuck in the mud and blinded by the sun. Cue Salford City fans singing La Bamba, although no-one knew the words…

Despite some late pressure by Bamber, Salford City could have wrapped up the points late on when sub Jamie Rother went close, and Rhodri Giggs almost won a penalty. Still it was great fightback by Salford, and the scene is set up nicely for the crunch away game at second placed Chorley on Tuesday night…

Next home game at Moor Lane is Lancaster City on Saturday 5th March kick off 3pm £7 adults (£3 cons) – free kid with every paying adult. And after the match there's a special fundraising Race Night for the club.

A race can be sponsored for £30, while a horse can be bought for £5. Monies (and names of horses) can be given to Frank McCauley at the Chorley fixture or email your requirements to mccauleyf@yahoo.co.uk or telephone 07762386337. Further details click here

Photos by Andrew Goudie