“They’re looking really dangerous” – Salford City boss looks forward to Peterborough FA Cup battle

Salford City are set for a fixture on the road this Saturday as they take on Peterborough United in the FA Cup first round.

After an exhilarating win at home against Manchester United’s U-21 team in the EFL Trophy, The Ammies’ focus turns to their first FA Cup fixture of the season.

Salford City head coach Neil Wood spoke to the media ahead of the game. When asked about the history of the competition, Wood stated:

“I think it’s a great competition. It was always one of the competitions growing up as a young kid; you’re always watching. So, yeah, it’s great to be a part of that. It’s a big competition. We’re looking forward to the game and a really challenging game to come.”

Last season’s run was ended by Peterborough in the first round, which makes it two seasons in a row that the Ammies will face The Posh in the FA Cup. Neil Wood’s men will look to garner a different result this year. 

Commenting on drawing Peterborough again, Wood added: 

“They’re on a really good patch of form; they’re doing really well at the moment. So I think some profiles in terms of players, but maybe a different way of playing. We’ve watched a few games, and they’re looking really dangerous and a real attacking threat.”

Salford City have lost all three of their FA Cup ties against League One opponents in previous seasons, something Wood will hope to change. When asked if there were any learnings to take from last year, he exclaimed:

“I think the learnings can be, you’re playing against a team at that level, and also we’ll be a bit more familiar going into the stadium and playing in front of an away crowd because we’ve already been there at this stage last season. That makes it a little bit more familiar. 

“There’s still the challenge of the game still the challenge of trying to perform. But you know, these draws come, and you’ve got to take whoever gets put in front of you.”

Full focus on the @EmiratesFACup 😤 pic.twitter.com/imIrPZjsHD

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) November 2, 2023

Wood went on to provide an update for returning players, stating McAleny was progressing well after his recent 60 minutes on Tuesday, and Connor McLennan has also trained well recently. Theo Vassell trained for the first time on Thursday with Wood, issuing that he is ready “to start building his minutes up in games”. 

After Peterborough’s 3-0 win last season, the Ammies will set their sights on securing a first-round victory against the side that knocked them out last season. Time will tell if Peterborough’s previous win will be enough to push Salford City to give them a response for this year’s FA Cup. 

Due to FA broadcast regulations, there will be no coverage of the clash. The game will kick-off at London Road Stadium at 3pm on Saturday in Peterborough.