Salford battle to win in tense local derby

Salford City 1 - 0 Oldham Athletic

Salford brought an end to their run of three straight defeats in League Two with a hard-fought victory over their local rivals.

Author | Alan Thompson

Stadium | The Peninsula Stadium

View from the stands

The match at the Peninsula Stadium was briefly halted after two pitch invaders attempted to plant a St George’s flag in the centre circle.

The pair entered the field during the first half in protest against Salford co-owner Gary Neville before being escorted away by stewards and later detained by police. Wearing white hoodies bearing negative slogans about Neville. The men are not believed to be supporters of either Salford or Oldham. We won't give these people any further coverage. 

Now for the football

The decisive goal came midway through the first half after a chaotic scramble in the box following a missed penalty, before Oldham were reduced to 10 men in the second period.

Oldham began the brighter of the two sides, testing Salford goalkeeper Matty Young with long-range efforts from Tom Pett and Ryan Woods. But the home side took the lead when Kelly Nmai was brought down by Manny Monthe inside the area. Kadeem Harris struck the post from the resulting penalty, only for Dan Udoh to react quickest and head home from the ensuing goalmouth scramble.

Watch the highlights here. Source | Salford City YouTube

Salford grew in confidence after the opener, with Oldham keeper Matthew Hudson twice denying Haji Mnoga, the second save coming just before half-time. Moments later, Joe Quigley had a chance to equalise for the visitors but his tame header was easily gathered by Young.

Oldham’s hopes of a comeback faded when Will Sutton was sent off just after the hour mark for a last-man foul on Nmai. Despite being a man down, the visitors pressed forward in the closing stages, with Joe Garner firing over from close range deep into stoppage time.

The result marks Salford’s first league win since beating Swindon in September, while Oldham’s poor run continues, leaving them without a victory in four League Two matches.