Play-off rivals let off the hook
COUNTY boss Jim Gannon rued a “frustrating” late equaliser for promotionchasing Salford City on Saturday, which denied his side a landmark win at Moor Lane in the race for National League North promotion.
After Danny Lloyd’s 13th minute opener had given The Hatters a lead to defend, County’s resilience was finally broken with just ten minutes left on the block – Sam Minihan’s clumsy challenge on full-back Michael Nottingham allowing substitute Richie Allen to salvage the hosts a point from the penalty spot.
After Gannon had seen his side concede a late penalty to neighbours Curzon Ashton last weekend in County’s 3-1 win at Edgeley Park, the Hatters boss was left “extremely disappointed” by a repeat of The Hatters’ mistakes to deny his men a win which would have propelled them into the play-off places of an incredibly tight promotion race.
“It’s disappointing. We had the game by the scruff of the neck and were 1-0 up for a large portion – and it’s doubly disappointing to concede from a foul and a penalty.”
“Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have their side really well-organised and they have some skilful players, but for the past six or seven weeks, most of their winning goals have been from set plays.
“The list of goals they’ve scored in that manner is endless, so it’s just so frustrating and disappointing to concede in the same way.”
Despite Gannon’s exasperation at County’s late lapse, the former Port Vale chief did admit that his players have “grown from the experience” of conceding late against the second placed Ammies.
The stalemate continues County’s strong record against a number of their play-off rivals, with Gannon comparing his side’s home and away record to a play-off situation.
Based on the form of their current campaign, County would currently come out on top over two legs against Chorley, Brackley and Salford, with a hypothetical two-legged tie against FC Halifax going into extra time after two hard-fought draws with the Shaymen.
“The lads did work really hard. Although I’m disappointed to miss out on two points, I do believe the boys have learnt from the experience and will know where they’re going wrong. And it’s good to be at this stage knowing that, home and away against Chorley, Salford, Halifax and Brackley, there’s nobody better than us.
“We still have lessons to learn, but I told the lads that if they’d have beaten Salford, they’ve truly stepped up another level. But we know we will continue to grow,” Gannon explained.
The 47-year-old did point out that County’s well-earned point at Moor Lane appears more solid when comparing to the Hatters’ play-off chasing opponents results last weekend.
With only Darlington winning on Saturday to move themselves into the fifth and final play-off spot, County’s draw leaves things as they were in the division – with The Hatters due to travel to AFC Fylde as the Express went to print on Tuesday evening, and Salford hosting fourth-placed Chorley.
“I knew it would be tough for everyone around these play-off places, just by looking at the fixtures. Everyone plays each other before the end of the season – we’re in the middle of our tough spell now, Salford are too,” Gannon said.
“Not everyone can or will win every game. Halifax have got a tough runin, other sides do too. But we know that previous form is nothing to go by; we’re disappointed not to take three points from Salford, but we know that we can put ourselves into positions to win these games.”