SUBLIME CITY RUN RIOT IN SIGNAL TO SHAYMEN
SALFORD CITY produced a five-star performance to book their National League North play-off berth, with FC Halifax Town the semi-final opponents.
The Ammies started positively and unsurprisingly took a tenth-minute lead. Sam Walker’s free-kick from the right caused problems in the Darlington defence and home skipper Simon Grand stabbed home from close range.
The Quakers had lost their crack at the play-offs due to off-field problems but showed spirit to summon a quick response. Salford’s defence failed to deal with a long ball and Nathan Cartman’s shrewd pass picked out Mark Beck, who slid home a composed finish.
There was plenty of pressure for the Darlington defence to deal with after that as Salford won a succession of free-kicks and corners.
Eight minutes before the interval Josh Hine’s long throw from deep on the right was contested by Jordan Hulme, but the ball seemed to spin off Darlington defender Gary Brown on its way into the net.
Salford looked determined to build on their advantage and struck again in the 40th minute. Walker’s corner from the right found Fraser Horsfall beyond the far post and he nodded back inside for Michael Nottingham to head home from close range.
With a two-goal cushion, the Ammies carried their confident approach into the second half and went further ahead seven minutes after the restart.
Again it was from a setpiece as Walker delivered another corner from the right and this time Horsfall was on hand to head home from a few yards out.
Darlington were rocked and when David Norris’ hooked pass found Josh Hine, the former Chorley forward hit a low shot that Adam Bartlett turned around the post for a corner. Another Walker delivery from a corner almost fell for Horsfall again and Hulme went close with a shot from the edge of the box.
The Quakers were under intense pressure and Mike Phenix was brought down by substitute Leon Scott as he raced after Hulme’s pass. The referee had no hesitation
in pointing to the spot but Walker, who deserved a goal, blasted the penalty over the bar.
Salford’s play-off spot was almost within reach and any doubts were erased ten minutes from time as Norris’ shot from distance took a deflection to beat Bartlett.
Joint-manager Anthony Johnson appreciated the effort put in by the team.
He said: “We have worked hard to get into this position and deserve our play-off place. There are four sides left in the promotion hat and we have as good a chance as any.”