Salford City had to come from behind to earn a point against Crawley Town, with Conor McAleny netting his second of the season.
After Crawley dramatically hit the post and then the bar from a shot by Ronan Darcy, taking the lead as Dion Conroy flashed a shot across goal that was turned into his net by Salford’s Luke Garbutt.
Neil Wood’s side battled back at the start of the second half which resulted in Conor McAleny grabbing his second of the season.
It was a fast start by the visitors who looked sharper than the Ammies in the opening 10 minutes, coming within inches twice, as Crawley hit the post, then somehow the ball dramatically bounced onto the crossbar, as the home side scrambled to clear the ball.
Salford responded well to the early Crawley pressure by winning a free kick in an excellent area just minutes later.
With Stevie Mallan’s attempt going over the wall, it was well saved by Crawley keeper Corey Addai.
Salford hit back with a couple of meaningful counterattacks, especially with Conor McAleny, who looked particularly dangerous down the left-hand side.
Crawley mainly dominated the first half and were rewarded as they took the lead in the 38th minute, with Dion Conroy’s shot deflecting into the net.
Unfortunately, the deflection came off Luke Garbutt, who was one of the midweek heroes for the Ammies in the Carabao Cup.
In truth, Crawley always looked like they would eventually take the lead, but was still a disappointing way to concede for Salford.
Crawley narrowly avoided doubling the lead minutes later as Nick Tsaroulla whips in a wicked cross, which was met by a header from striker Dom Telford, missing the post by millimetres.
The Ammies went in at halftime, behind leading to Neil Wood making some alterations, taking the unfortunate Luke Garbutt off.
The replacement was another Wednesday night hero in Connor Mclennan, who was making his first home appearance from his transfer.
And these changes seemed to have an impact with the Salford starting the half incredibly well.
Salford equalised upon 50 minutes when Stevie Mallan whipped in a delicious cross, which ended up at the feet of Conor McAleny who cooly slotted the ball past Corey Addai.
The Crawley Town defence were looking around at the assistant referee, but to no avail, the flag wasn’t lifted.
Crawley then dominated Salford for large parts of the second half, with the Ammies only a couple of decent chances.
The lack of chances led to the introduction of Matt Smith for the last 13 minutes of the game.
The tall striker changed the game and gave Neil Wood’s side a serious threat to aim for in the Crawley Penalty area.
It could have gone either way in the last 10 minutes with both teams becoming more stretched to try and find the winner.
With the Salford wingers beginning to get on the ball more and ask more questions, with some fantastic crosses produced into Matt Smith, he did test Corey Addai but ultimately wasn’t enough to win the game.
Salford City 1 – 1 Crawley Town
Attendance: 2255. Away support: 143.
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