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City's cup delight

Frank McCauley
4/ 9/2008

SALFORD City turned the form book on its head as they scooped £1,500 in prize money and progressed to the first qualifying round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win at Lancaster City.

They have made an indifferent start to the UniBond League First Division North season but you would never have guessed it as they overcame a half-time deficit in Saturday’s preliminary round tie at sixth-placed Lancaster.

Salford were indebted to a injury time winner from Lathan Forrester and they will now play Vodkat League side Atherton LR at home in the first qualifying round on Saturday, September 13.

There was little to choose between the two sides in the first half. Lancaster’s Mark Thornley was the first keeper to be tested when he got down to a well struck low shot from Jon Robinson while home defender Neil Marshall almost sliced a clearance into his own net.

At the other end, Salford’s Martin Campbell pulled off a brilliant double save when slack play from City’s defence needlessly put him under pressure.

And City were again guilty of giving away possession too easily when they fell behind three minutes from the break.

A Salford throw in deep into the Lancaster half somehow ended up with the ball at the feet of Dave Foster outside Campbell’s penalty box and the home striker, who was Lancaster’s most effective player, saw his drive take a kind deflection to give the ‘Dolly Blues’ a half-time advantage.

Salford grew in confidence during the second half and Lee McNally was unlucky to have a good effort blocked.

Lancaster’s defence began to look uncertain and the introduction of Salford substitute Barry Massay brought an immediate reward for the visitors as his 71st minute header from a McNally cross found the far corner of the net.

The loud visiting support would have settled for a replay at that point, especially after a seemingly goal-bound strike from Forrester had gone the wrong side of the post.

But he had better luck in the fourth minute of time added on, firing home through a ruck of players to break the hearts of the home fans.

The FA Cup prize money brings some much needed revenue into the club and everyone involved at Moor Lane will be hoping that City can transfer their cup form to the league. That will be put to the test when Mossley visit Moor Lane on Saturday, September 6, kick-off 3pm. City also take on Bamber Bridge in the league this coming week. The away game will take place on Tuesday, September 9, kick-off 7.45pm.

City’s scheduled President’s Cup tie at Woodley Sports was postponed on Tuesday night due to Woodley having to take part in a FA Cup replay.