Salford City seal top spot in EFL Trophy Group A

Salford City 4 - 2 Wolves Under 21s

Despite awful conditions, both sides put on a decent show for the fans as Salford City sealed top spot in Group A of the EFL Trophy

Author | Alan Thompson

Stadium | The Peninsula Stadium

This made it three wins from three in the competition for Salford as they progress as group winners after a dominant win. The goals came from Bruno Padovani, Cole Stockton and a brace from teenager Ruben Butt.

How the action unfolded in Salford

Fletcher Holman gave the visitors an early lead, but Bruno Padovani’s first senior goal brought Salford level before half time.

Cole Stockton then put the Ammies ahead, with Ruben Butt adding two more to secure a convincing win for Karl Robinson’s side. Leonardo Lopes pulled one back for the young Wanderers in stoppage time, but Salford held firm to take all three points and finish top of Group A.

The hosts started brightly, with Jorge Grant and Ros Longelo both firing wide, yet it was the visitors who struck first. Mateus Mané’s flick-on tempted Jacob Lara into a clearance, but a slip allowed Holman to steal possession, race through on goal and calmly slot past Mark Howard.

Salford continued to dominate despite the setback. Butt, making his first start, was lively throughout, twice going close as his shots drifted narrowly off target. Josh Austerfield volleyed wide before Stockton drew a fine save from Alfie Brooks, who also did well to claim Brandon Cooper’s looping header.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 40th minute when Padovani pounced on a half-cleared corner, sending a crisp half-volley from outside the box into the bottom corner. It was a timely equaliser and gave the hosts renewed momentum heading into the break.

Cole Stockton in the right place at the right time to apply the finish ⚽️

Catch up on highlights from yesterday's win in the @VertuTrophy on YouTube now 📺https://t.co/xk57Si6Ei8 pic.twitter.com/1X1B5OHVeA

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) November 12, 2025

Salford pressed again after the restart, with Longelo missing a golden chance to head home Padovani’s cross. Four minutes later, the Italian turned provider once more, his delivery falling to Stockton, who smashed high into the net from close range to give the Ammies the lead.

Wolves briefly threatened when Mané cut inside and shot, only for Lara to make a crucial sliding block. Salford quickly responded as Butt spun in the box to shoot, but Brooks gathered comfortably. The 18-year-old forward made amends soon after, curling into the far corner following neat work from Cooper.

Butt’s confidence was growing, and he soon struck again. A superb long pass from Jai Curran-Nicholls released him through the middle, and after a heavy first touch, he recovered to clip a composed finish under Brooks to make it 4-1.

Debutant Riley Carroll came close to adding a fifth late on, but Wolves had the final word when Lopes finished neatly past Howard after being set up by Enso González.

Salford’s third straight group-stage win ensures they top Group A and will have home advantage in the next round.