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Two points clear

Frank McCauley
14/ 2/2008

SALFORD City FC recorded a double-whammy of wins this week to move two points clear at the top of the Vodkat League first division.

City brushed aside struggling St Helens Town 5-1 on Tuesday night after overcoming seventh-placed Congleton Town 2-1 three days earlier.

Salford produced an emphatic display at St Helens.

They were already two goals in front when home keeper Graeme McCall was shown a red card for lashing out at Jon Robinson on the half-hour mark.

Robinson’s delicate shot with the outside of his left boot and a close range finish from Bernard Morley had put Salford in the driving seat before Mattie Burke dispatched the spot kick.

Burke completed a hat-trick in the second half with two exquisite strikes. His first was a superb left-footed volley and his second was a sublime chip from all of 30 yards out.

In between, Craig Davies headed home for Saints.

Saturday’s home game with Congleton was a tight and, at times, niggling encounter.

City played well in the first 40 minutes to go 2-0 ahead.

Two well directed Stephen Brackenridge corner kicks led to Salford’s goals. His first, on 30 minutes, was blasted into the back of Town’s net by centre back Kenny Tudor. And his second, seven minutes later, resulted in Robinson heading past Congleton keeper Stuart Heeps.

Andy Hurst hooked a shot into the top corner to bring Congleton back into the match just before the interval and they went on to waste a number of goal scoring opportunities in an action packed second period.

Oliver Edwards and Matt Haddrell hit City’s crossbar and Salford keeper Andy Robertson saved a Haddrell penalty after conceding the spot kick himself.

Salford got their act together again in the last 10 minutes. Steve Cunningham came close to scoring a wonder goal following a jinking run before he blazed over a penalty, which was won by Lathan Forrester.

City go to Winsford United in the Vodkat League Cup quarter-finals on Saturday, February 16, kick-off 3pm, and visit Atherton Collieries in the league on Monday, February 18, kick-off 7.45pm.