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Ex-boss Foster foils City again

30/ 1/2003

FOR the second time this season former Salford manager Tom Foster came back to Moor Lane and took points off the promotion hopefuls.

Only a couple of months ago he shocked Andy Brown's side with a 2-1 victory when manager of Atherton Collieries. After moving across town he turned up with Atherton LR and again came close to guiding his team to victory.

In a scoreless first half City had the best of the chances. Striker Mike Turner making his debut following his mid week signing from Flixton might have done better after seven minutes but his delayed shot was saved at close range by LR keeper Dave Cummins.

On 35 minutes Cummins blocked a vicious shot from Loz Greenhalgh and Francis Vaughan missed the target with the rebound. When Salford got the ball in the net George Switzer's effort was ruled offside.

In the early stages of the second half leading scorer Mattie Hughes was unfortunate to see two well-struck drives deflected by defenders but as time wore on Atherton began to look as if they could grab a goal and they went in front after 68 minutes.

Moments earlier former City player Ross Harford brought a save out of Phil Melville before Paul Crompton gave LR the lead when he drilled a low free kick past Melville.

Four minutes later Salford equalised when Graham Vaughan dispatched a volley firmly past Cummins in a busy penalty area.

City's hopes of taking the points were doused when centre-half Dave Brown was sent off six minutes from time. There were few complaints from the City man or from his teammates.

With time running out the visitors almost snatched the winner but Crompton failed to take advantage of the opportunity.

Coming after their midweek exit from the Worthington League Cup at the hands of in-form Mossley, Saturday's defeat was another blow to what began as such a promising season for Salford.

Manager Brown must try to get his side back to winning ways as quickly as possible. On Saturday they visit the improved Abbey Hey.