Star date: 27th April 2013

AMMIES GIFT OSSETT THREE GOALS – AND THEN THE FIGHTBACK

Ossett Town 3 Salford City 2

With twenty minutes barely on the clock, Salford City found themselves three goals down to Ossett. But that was almost the last look-in the Yorkshire team got, as the Ammies nearly got a gallant draw. Unfortunately, despite constant pressure, the equaliser just wouldn't come.

Match report and photos here…

In the first two minutes Salford were looking good, a Jamie Rother shot hit with such power it smashed a seat to pieces in the stand behind the goal that the rocketed ball had just missed. After three minutes things were looking glum, as a mistake by Player of the Year keeper, Ritchie Branagan, let in Ossett for an early goal. 0-1

After eleven minutes things got worse, with another defensive mix up allowing Town to take a two goal lead. And with twenty minutes gone, after yet another howler in the Salford back line, Ossett were three up.

0-3? 0-3!!! And there were still seventy minutes to go! A gallows humour engulfed the Salford supporters as they meekly sang `We're going to win 4-3'…

Even Ossett Town supporters couldn't believe it, as their team, hammered 0-4 in their last home game, suddenly looked rather good. On paper at least. But having been gifted three goals that was almost the end of Ossett as a force.

Just before half time Nathan McDonald dragged a cross down at the far post and hammered home to give Salford hope for the second half. 3-1.

Almost straight from the kick off Ossett had a chance headed off the line but apart from that never troubled the Salford goal for the rest of the match. Instead, the Ammies roared forward, looking a different team with subs Nathan Taylor and Danny White conjuring the attacks.

In the 56th minute Ossett finally cracked. A Salford corner was swung in and a heading melee ended with an Ossett defender kneeing the ball of the line and out of the area where it was gathered by Danny White. The sub still had plenty to do with a crowd of players in front of him but he shimmied to his left and hit an unstoppable shot into the top right hand corner of the net. A contender for goal of the season. Van Persie eat yer heart out. 3-2.

By now Ossett were crumbling, hoofing balls out of the ground to relieve the pressure. Surely it was only a matter of time before the equaliser and the winner would come? A result that would give hope to Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Ossett scrambled one chance off the line from a corner, and Jamie Rother went close, Danny White went close, Nathan Taylor went close and Nathan McDonald went close – forcing saves, and whistling the ball just past the post and crossbar…The equaliser just wouldn't come. And Ossett looked mightily relieved at the final whistle.

So it's yet another defeat for Salford City, as the season can't end quick enough. But today they showed a second half spirit that augers well for next season and hopefully the final two games.

Last two games…

Salford City v Prescott Cables Tuesday 30th April Moor Lane kick off 7:45pm
Salford City v Lancaster City Saturday 4th May Moor Lane kick off 3pm
£7/£3

Further details at www.salfordcityfc.co.uk

Photos by Andrew Goudie