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City recover from FA exit

Frank McCauley
31/ 1/2008

SALFORD City responded to Saturday’s shock FA Carlsberg Vase exit at the hands of Coventry Sphinx by excelling in a 5-2 win over Atherton Collieries in the Vodkat League Cup three days later.

City put in a vastly improved performance at home to their near neighbours on Tuesday night to storm through to the quarter-finals.

Salford fell behind to a well taken 33rd minute goal from Atherton striker Tom Bailey. But City were level just two minutes later as Bernard Morley hammered home from close range and from then on in they were always in the ascendancy.

Left winger Lathan Forrester was a constant thorn in Atherton’s side after the break. He put Salford into the driving seat with two well executed goals either side of the hour mark.

Morley also completed a brace before a strike from Colls substitute Doug Owen gave the visitors some hope with 15 minutes remaining.

But City were not to be denied and they capped off their victory with substitute Michael Brierley pulling off a delightful chip over Atherton’s keeper on his Salford debut.

Meanwhile, three strikes and you’re out proved to be the punishment for City as they slid out of the FA Carlsberg Vase at the fourth round stage.

The Road to Wembley was closed for another year thanks to some fine finishing from Midland Alliance side Coventry Sphinx, who won the game 3-1.

City came into the match as the clear favourites to progress to the last 16 of the national competition and their bright start offered encouragement to their large band of travelling support.

But City failed to turn their territorial advantage into goals and they fell foul of two sucker punches in the space of five minutes midway through the first half. First Tom Maguire broke from deep and fired in a well directed shot and then James Holmes stroked the ball home after being afforded acres of space to get on the end of a free kick.

Kenny Tudor, Stephen Brackenridge, Jon Robinson, Forrester and Richard Watson all missed good first half chances for Salford.

Tommy Turner was then added to Salford’s attack and he reduced their arrears with a thunderous volley.

Forrester had an effort cleared off the line and Robinson had a goal disallowed for off-side before firing over the crossbar from close range.

But their hopes of taking the game into extra-time were ended when Chris Harris netted on the break.

On Saturday, February 2, Salford turn their attentions back to trying to win the Vodkat League first division title. They host lowly Bacup Borough from 3pm.