Law and Ferguson cheer on Salford but Bielsa’s Leeds prove too strong

SALFORD CITY

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Eddie Nketiah, signed on loan from Arsenal last week, opened the scoring on his Leeds debut just before the interval after Salford created the better of the early chances.

Further goals by Gaetano Berardi and Mateusz Klich secured victory for Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Despite the result, it was a good occasion for the fastemerging Salford. As has been their case throughout their rapid rise through the football pyramid, there were plenty of eyes on them. Being part-owned by the famous “Class of 92” brings attention and, to add to that, this time Sir Alex Ferguson and Denis Law were among those watching. The players also had to play knowing one of the co-owners, Gary Neville, would be analysing their performances in his role as a TV pundit.

But if that and coming up against top-rated Championship opposition brought extra pressure, Salford did not show it early on. Oscar Threlkeld shot straight at Kiko Casilla from the edge of the area and a powerful volley by ex-hibs player Richie Towell was headed clear by Leeds winger Jack Clarke.

Leeds began to take charge in the latter stages of the first half with Ezgjan Alioski lively on the left.

Pressure finally paid off when Jamie Shackleton found Helder Costa on the right and his low ball was turned in at close range by Nketiah.

Leeds doubled their lead soon after the restart when Costa swung in a corner to the near post and Berardi brilliantly flicked in.

Again Salford looked to hit back as Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Danny Whitehead shot at Casilla but Leeds put the game beyond doubt just before the hour.

The visitors broke quickly after clearing a Salford corner and Klich powered towards the area before curling a fine effort beyond Neal, with the aid of a slight deflection.