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City cup glory

31/ 7/2008

SALFORD City won the inaugural Salford Advertiser Challenge Trophy in front of more than 200 spectators with a 3-2 success at near neighbours Irlam on Saturday.

But Irlam made an impressive challenge for the impressive trophy, which was supplied by event sponsors the Salford Advertiser.

Irlam almost clawed back a three-goal deficit at a sun-drenched Silver Street but it was higher league City who were to claim the local bragging rights in what will become an annual contest.

The fixture boasts the two biggest football teams in Salford.

Salford City will begin life in the UniBond League this coming season while Irlam have moved up to the North West Counties League.

Irlam made a bright start and City keeper Martin Campbell had to be alert to tip away an early curling shot from Scott Holt.

But Salford soon took control with striker Barry Massay netting twice in five minutes.

Both goals came via crosses from the right. Massay guided home the first and powerfully headed in the second.

Salford’s third goal saw Wes Bancroft find the back of the net with a well executed strike.

But Massay spurned a hat-trick chance as James Shaw made a smart smothering save and, spurred on by their man of the match Tony Lynch, Irlam came storming back. A diving header by Adam Lucas went just over and Campbell was forced to make good saves from Holt and Darren Green.

Irlam’s efforts were eventually rewarded when the hard working Lynch fired home a 65th minute free kick.

And they scored again three minutes later as Holt’s left footed drive flew passed Campbell.

The goals forced Salford to jolt back into life and Shaw had to be on his toes to keep out efforts from Lathan Forrester and Jon Robinson before the final whistle was blown.

Forrester was the man of the match for Salford, who lost the reserve fixture between the two clubs 1-0 earlier in the day.

Salford were hosting FC United in another pre-season friendly as the Advertiser went to press last night, Wednesday, July 30.

City’s next friendly fixture will be against full-time Leigh Genesis at Moor Lane on Tuesday, August 5, kick-off 7.30pm.