Relief all round as Salford hang on

SALFORD came from behind to claim victory in a match marred by their goalkeeper Max Crocombe’s bizarre dismissal near the end for urinating into his net.

Mark Bower’s Avenue were dominant in the first-half. Javan Vidal was the first to test Crocombe between the sticks as his deflected effort nearly found the top corner.

However, Avenue soon broke through when Nicky Clee was tripped by Carl Piergianni, allowing Oli Johnson to slot home from 12 yards.

The hearts of Salford fans were then in mouths minutes later as Luca Havern came close to a Clee cross, the ball eluding his leg by inches.

With the wind blowing in Salford’s favour, the visitors began to gain some momentum.

Richie Allen drove into the box with pace from the left, but his effort could only find the side-netting.

Salford then delivered fatal blows to Bradford in a matter of minutes, with Mike Phenix and Gus Mafuta turning the game on its head with low strikes that rendered goalkeeper Ed Hall helpless before Crocombe’s afternoon ended in the most unlikely fashion. STAR MAN: Michael Nottingham (Salford City) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★