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Turner prize

Frank McCauley
20/ 3/2008

SALFORD City kept their Vodkat League first division title hopes alive by taking seven points from their three recent away games with Formby, Glossop North End and Flixton.

They cemented second spot in the table by winning 3-1 at 13th-placed Formby on Tuesday night, prevailing 1-0 at sixth-placed Glossop on Saturday afternoon and drawing 1-1 at fifth-placed Flixton last Wednesday night.

Salford’s battling qualities and the impressive goal scoring ability of Tommy Turner stood out in all three fixtures but leaders Trafford also enjoyed a fruitful week and City are now seven points behind them having played two games more.

City fell behind to an early Charles Jones strike at Formby but two well taken goals by Turner turned the game in City’s favour. The first was a firm header at the back post and the second was a terrific hooked shot past home keeper Lee Gunnion.

Salford were penned back for a lot of the second half but they stretched their lead in the last minute when Jon Robinson broke into the penalty box and rounded off a fine solo run with a crisp drive.

Meanwhile, City’s 1-0 success at Glossop North End on Saturday was a real smash-and-grab.

Salford expected a torrid time at the Derbyshire venue as Glossop were unbeaten at home in the league since late August.

And so it proved as Glossop put City under an abundance of pressure.

Glossop striker Darren Hamilton would have scored a hat-trick in the opening 15 minutes had it not been for his wayward finishing.

At the other end, Robinson and Kenny Tudor both had efforts close to the target. But Salford rarely threatened and it was harsh on Glossop when Turner netted on 51 minutes.

Turner, who also hit Salford’s only goal in their midweek draw at Flixton, saw his snap-shot hit an upright before the rebound came back to him via Steve Brackenridge. Turner was spread-eagled on the ground but he somehow directed the ball past Glossop keeper Steffan Fielding.

Salford failed to build on the goal and they were on the back foot for the remainder of the game.

City were indebted to some plucky tackles and last-gasp blocks from Sean Whitehead, Andy Pendlebury, Tudor and Simon Myerscough along with a strong performance from keeper Martin Campbell.

But Campbell was unable to get to Sam Hind’s ferocious drive at the death. Luckily for City, the ball hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced to safety.

Salford had to play the final 15 minutes of the game with only 10 men as Robinson became the third City player to be dismissed in recent matches.

Their next game is at home to 15th-placed Ramsbottom United on Easter Monday, March 24, kick-off 3pm.