New Salford City manager Richie Wellens got off to a winning start as the Ammies secured a place in the FA Cup Second Round after overcoming a stubborn Hartlepool United with two extra time goals.
In a match that was looking like it was destined for penalties, Salford found a way past the National League side in the 106th minute through substitute Bruno Andrade to give them the all important goal and end the possibilty of a nervy penalty shoot-out.
It was another sub in Manu Dieseruvwe who put the contest to bed in the 123rd minute as he finished off a quick counter attack and ended Hartlepool’s slim remaining hopes of making it into the second round draw.
Salford City created a dangerous opening chance as Di’Shon Bernard making his first start for Salford whipped a cross into James Wilson whose effort was well saved by Henrich Ravas.
There was a big chance in the 8th minute for Hartlepool as Claudio Ofosu sprinted down the left-hand side and had an effort that was deflected onto the crossbar by Salford’s Jordan Turnbull.
As the first-half whistle went, Hartlepool’s Dave Challinor would have been the more pleased of the two managers, as his side soaked up the pressure well and looked well organised in their defensive shape.
However, in the 68th minute, Salford came close to taking the lead in the first noticeable chance of the second half, as Hunter’s low cross from the left side missed everyone but curled towards goal and forced Ravas to dive and make a good fingertip save.
Ofosu had a big opportunity again as he was sent through on goal but Vaclav Hladky narrowed the angle well and made a strong save.
As neither team could find a late winner, the tight encounter went into extra time.
It was the home side Salford who opened the scoring through substitute Andrade in the 105th minute after he tapped in from close range after being played in by Ian Henderson.
Then in the last minute of added on time in extra time, Salford made their greater quality count as Hartlepool sent everything in search of an equaliser.
It was Hunter who had looked lively throughout who hit the visitors on the counter attack and played it into Dieseruvwe who despite being on the fringes of the first team for a while, calmly slotted home the decisive goal in what had been an edgy and even encounter at the Peninsula.
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