CLINICAL CITY ON CLOUD 9!
SALFORD City extended their unbeaten run to nine games with a clinical display to lay down a marker to fellow promotion hopefuls Boreham Wood.
Tom Walker, Mark Shelton and Rory Gaffney all netted with their only shots on target in a game that was closer than the score suggests.
Salford’s ruthlessness ensured they bagged a fourth straight win and sees them consolidate their fourthplace position in the table, now only two points behind new leaders Leyton Orient.
“We are very happy to come out of that with all three points, we deserved to be clear and at three goals down most teams would give up, but fair play to Boreham Wood, they gave it a real go,” said Ammies boss Graham Alexander
“Obviously, our defenders aren’t happy at not keeping a clean sheet, but they know that they have been in a game.”
City took a little under three minutes to break the deadlock. Good build up play from Danny Lloyd and Rory Gaffney carved open the visitors’ defence with Walker’s shot taking a slight deflection on its way in.
The visitors worked hard to get back into the game, earning several first half corners, but were unable to test Chris Neal in the home goal, thanks in the main to solid defensive work from the Ammies backline.
And Shelton made them pay with a second on 21 minutes, smashing home a superb effort from 25 yards after Scott Wiseman had charged forward, the full-back’s attempted shot falling to the midfielder who struck sweetly on the half volley past Ryan Huddart.
Lloyd then twice came close to extending his side’s lead – his lofted effort clearing the on-rushing Huddart but driftnothing ing just wide of the post before a second effort on the break struck both posts before bouncing to safety, as Salford threatened to put the game to bed in the first half.
Visiting boss Luke Garrard responded by making two changes in personnel at the start of the second half and the change in shape saw them start the half brightly.
Striker Josh Umerah came close only to see the home side claim their third goal after a swift break from the back – Ibou Touray made strides forward to release Lloyd and the winger’s cross was swept home at the far post by Gaffney.
Umerah finally got the goal his efforts deserved as he struck from the edge of the box to give his side hope, but Salford closed the game out.
“We gave Salford a leg up by arriving late but let’s take away from Salford, they were worthy winners,” said a magnanimous Garrard in defeat.
“In my opinion they [Salford] are the best side we’ve played so far.
“Graham (Alexander) has a front six that any manager at this level would love to be able to call upon.”