MATCH REPORT: Salford City hold on to beat local rivals Rochdale AFC 2-1

For the first time since promotion to the Football League, Salford City have four home wins in a row, boosting their promotion hopes with a 2-1 win against Rochdale AFC.

The Ammies needed a resolute defensive display to see out the win after Rochdale pulled a goal back from the spot with 10 minutes to go.

Salford made two changes with youngster Louie Barry coming in for his full debut and the inform Connor McAleny returning to the starting line-up after being rested in midweek.

It was always going to be close run affair between the two local rivals regardless of the standings, with Rochdale sitting bottom, before proceedings got underway at the Peninsula Stadium. The away fans made themselves heard with a travelling contingent of 969 ramping up the atmosphere before kick off.

However, early Salford pressure dampened their hopes with two early opportunities for new boy Barry, who failed to convert either even after rounding the goalkeeper with his second opportunity.

The Ammies then silenced the travelling faithful with a goal courtesy of Matt Smith in the 11th minute. The striker capitalised on the indecision of Rochdale goalkeeper Jake Eastwood, poking home Elliot Watt’s cross from the left hand side with his right foot to fire Salford in front with his seventh goal of the season.

Get in, lads 👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/9JsmFPiNWP

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) February 4, 2023

A hint of complacency then snuck into Salford’s play with Rochdale searching for an equaliser, as Ian Henderson came close with an instinctive header that fell just wide after a wayward clearance from Ibou Touray. Despite this, Salford went in a goal to the good at half-time.

Barry’s debut was limited to 45 minutes as he was replaced by Luke Bolton at the break. This change almost paid off just fives minutes into the second half with Bolton’s pullback being met by Ethan Galbraith, whose powerful shot was blocked.

Just five minutes later Rochdale would have found themselves level if not for a brilliant save from Alex Cairns, who tipped over Scott Quigley’s volley. Salford then compounded the away teams misery in the 64th minute when Matt Smith flicked on a long ball, which was quickly latched onto by Connor McAleny who fired a low powerful shot into the bottom left corner to double Salford’s lead. The attacker now has seven goals in as many games and sits top of the scoring charts for Salford.

.@EthanGalbraith0 is your @TalkTalk Player of the Match 🏆

Well played, Gally 👏 pic.twitter.com/orP4jMyh6u

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) February 4, 2023

A medical emergency in the away end then led to the game being stopped, with a quick reaction from the referee allowing the fan to get instant treatment. As they left the stadium, both home and away fans applauded in a moving moment of solidarity.

When the game got back underway Rochdale yet again found themselves on top with a spell of pressure, finally resulting in an opportunity to get a goal back when substitute Abraham Odoh was brought down by Elliot Watt in the box. Cairns dived the right way but saw Quigley’s penalty cannon off him and into his own net. With the score 2-1 and 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining, a nervous feeling fell on the Peninsula Stadium.

Salford had their backs to the wall but managed to see out the remaining time with 11 minutes being added on at the end. A precious win for Neil Wood’s side leaves them just three points off automatic promotion after other favourable results around the country. The Ammies promotion push is picking up steam and if they want to be playing in League One next season, results and defensive performances like these will surely play a big role.