Salford start pre-season campaign with a win

Witton Albion 2 - 3 Salford City

Ben Woodburn, Jai Curran-Nicholls and Ruben Butt were on target as Salford City began their pre-season with a win away at Witton Albion.

Author | Alex W

Karl Robinson’s side dominated large spells of the match but were twice forced to come from behind before Butt’s late strike sealed victory at Wincham Park.

Salford controlled the early stages, with new signings Jay Bird and Kallum Cesay both threatening. Luke Garbutt came close from a free-kick, only to be denied by a sharp save from Witton’s trialist goalkeeper, while Cesay had another effort blocked after latching on to a sweeping ball from Garbutt.

Despite Salford’s control, it was Witton who struck first. Against the run of play, Joe Duckworth chased a hopeful long ball and was brought down by Salford’s trialist goalkeeper. Tom Hoyle calmly converted the penalty.

Salford soon responded. After Cole Stockton went close, Haji Mnoga was tripped in the box, and Woodburn slotted home the resulting penalty to bring the visitors level.

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Rosaire Longelo’s direct running caused the home side plenty of problems and earned Salford a free-kick which Tom Edwards nearly converted. Longelo then turned provider for Bird, who headed narrowly wide, while Garbutt struck the post from another dead ball.

Just before half-time, Witton retook the lead. Another long ball caught Salford’s back line out, and Duckworth executed a smart lob from the edge of the area to make it 2-1 at the break.

Robinson made several changes at half-time, and it paid off almost immediately. Alfie Henderson delivered a dangerous free-kick which was met by Curran-Nicholls, who headed in from close range.

Salford pushed for a winner. Butt missed a chance after good link-up play from Kyrell Malcom and Tosin Olopade, and Malcom himself was denied by some desperate defending.

But the breakthrough came three minutes from time. A surging run from the number 20 trialist opened up a three-on-two counter, and his perfectly timed pass allowed Butt to lift the ball over the Witton goalkeeper, securing the win.

Salford now prepare for back-to-back fixtures against FC United of Manchester and Ashton United on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.