Neill Chappell, playing his first game for Salford City, hit two goals within the first 15 minutes to set Salford on course for victory against a Clitheroe side sitting three places above us in the league.
His first was knocked in after 10 minutes following a sweet cross by Craig Mahon, and his second was poached after the ball squirmed out of the Clitheroe goalie's gloves. It looked like Salford were going to hand out the thrashing they've been threatening teams with all season. And then…
And then…after 25 minutes a Clitheroe forward falls over his handbag in the box and the resultant penalty pegs Salford back to 2-1. Ten minutes later order was restored after Rhodri Giggs was brought down on the edge of the area following a jinking run that bamboozled the Clitheroe back four. While the defence was still admiring its wall, Alex Mortimer sneaked the free kick into the net to make it 3-1.
It looked like game over before half time but Clitheroe to their credit continued to attack and chase the game and just before the break had an effort headed off the line. The second half continued as the first half ended only this time Clitheroe managed to head the ball over the line within two minutes of start to make it 3-2. Salford sat back, content to play on the break and while Clitheroe continued to huff and puff and miss a few sitters, it was Salford's lead that was extended after 75 minutes when Darren Hockenhall got on the end of a Rhodri Giggs corner that had been knocked on at the near post…4-2 Salford.
Still Clitheroe came back and with ten minutes remaining a header from a free kick gave them hope of a draw with the score standing at 4-3. Despite Clitheroe's rescue attempts Salford were never uncomfortable and it was no surprise when Craig Mahon broke away in injury time to seal the 5-3 scoreline.
And next up at home is…Clitheroe, again, in the league next Saturday…A repeat will do nicely…
Funniest moment of the match: A lady in the stands who had been hit by the match ball a few weeks ago suddenly produced a white builders hard hat as the ball again came near her…
Second funniest moment: the Clitheroe back four, built for Halloween. Frankenstein himself might have run from them but Salford's nippy forwards just went around them.
Third funniest moment: some Clitheroe supporter in a Burnley shirt expecting all the Salford fans to be thrilled 'cos Burnley beat Hull City – wow, like absolutely thrilled…
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