Ammies are closing in on a Wembley return in Trophy

SALFORD City are one victory away from a return to Wembley after coming from behind to defeat Accrington Stanley in the Leasing.com Trophy.

Callum Finley gave the away side an early advantage when his effort took a deflection off Jack Baldwin and looped into the Salford net after 11 minutes.

However, the Ammies responded positively and their dominance culminated in a Cameron Burgess equaliser, the defender rising highest to flick on an Ibou Touray free-kick with the last kick of the half.

Salford gained the lead within five minutes of the restart when Luke Armstrong skipped past his man and teed-up Tom Elliott for a debut goal – a first time side-footed finish taken with aplomb. Accrington rallied to find a leveller with goalkeeper Josef Bursik trying his luck from a free-kick from 20-yards out, but his effort sailed wide.

Ammies manager Graham Alexander said: “The result is brilliant for us against a League One team. The defensive strength of the team was excellent and the commitment of every player was superb too.

“I believe in the strength of the group and when we do make the changes, as we have done in all the rounds in this competition, they’ve performed and won. That’s a healthy mentality, atmosphere and environment to have, but we have to work exceptionally hard to make sure it stays like that.” Exeter and Portsmouth are also through to the semi-finals, with Newport and Leicester Under-21s yet to play their quarter-final.