All square as Ammies take draw to semi-final second leg

SALFORD CITY go into Sunday’s National League North semi-final second leg with it all to play for after a 1-1 draw with Halifax.

The Ammies had been trailing by a goal since the first half but James Poole poked in a late equaliser to ensure the meeting at the Shay will begin on a level playing field.

Mike Phenix had a chance to put Salford in front after 27 minutes but he volleyed wide after a tight opening to the game.

He was made to rue that miss just 10 minutes later as Tom Denton put the ball on a plate for Richard Peniket to smash into the bottom corner from 20 yards.

Michael Nottingham hit the post for Salford early in the second half and there was nearly some unwanted déjà vu with Halifax going close, just after the hosts could have scored.

Luckily, for Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley’s side, Nathan Hotte’s powerful effort left the bar shaking rather than the away end celebrating.

And that missed opportunity for the visitors only became more important as Poole kept his composure in the 86th minute to level the tie.

In the other Conference North play-off, Kidderminster Harriers took the incentive with a 1-0 win at Chorley.

Arthur Gnahoua’s strike was the difference as the promotion favourites took a potentially decisive lead into the second leg however they survived a late scare through Dale Whitham’s near miss.

Should Salford come out on top at the Shay on Sunday, they will face the play-off final six days later.