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Cup wins

Frank McCauley
18/ 9/2008

SALFORD City put the misery of their poor league form behind them this week by recording two impressive cup wins at home.

They beat Mossley 2-0 in the first round of the UniBond League Challenge Cup on Tuesday night and defeated Atherton LR 5-0 in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup three days earlier.

City’s performance against high-flying Mossley was undoubtedly their best performance of the season to date. They were excellent for the entire 90 minutes as they gained revenge over Mossley for their 4-0 league defeat to them 10 days earlier.

A highly committed Salford, with Reece Kelly and new signing Bradley Cooke looking strong in midfield and with Jon Robinson shining as a makeshift centre half, took the lead on 22 minutes when impressive forward Mark Dwyer finished off neat build-up play with a fine shot.

Barry Massay placed the sweetest of headers past Mossley’s keeper 15 minutes later. And City showed a lot of composure in the second half with Mossley never looking likely to claw their way back into the game, although full back Danny White did clear a shot off the goal line on 70 minutes.

Salford also excelled on Saturday as they booked a trip to Unibond Premier Division side Prescot Cables in the next round of the FA Cup. But they were given a helping hand by Atherton centre back Kieron Haliwell being red carded for an off the ball incident after just five minutes of play.

It took City some time to stamp their authority on their ten-man opposition but the result was never in doubt once Mattie Kay had headed them in front from a Lee McNally cross on 23 minutes.

Dwyer scored a brace of goals for dominant City, finishing off a five-man move with a good strike before netting with a powerful left footed drive.

Damien Billingham drilled home another strong shot and new signing Dion Depeiaza completed the scoring.

City travel to Halifax for a league game on Saturday, September 20, kick-off 3pm, and Salford’s youth team host Nantwich Town in an FA Youth Cup match on Tuesday, September 23, kick-off 7.45pm.