Salford City win for the first time in two months over Crawley Town

Salford City continued their unbeaten start to Karl Robinson’s management with their first win in 13 matches over Crawley Town.

The Ammies saw a number of faces return to training this week, with Ossama Ashley, Callum Hendry and Liam Shephard all making the subs bench.

Naming two changes from the team that drew with Forest Green Rovers,

Crawley came into the clash having won their last two matches and sat as high up as ninth before kick-off at Broadfield.

Naming two changes from the team that drew with Forest Green Rovers, the away side dominated the early exchanges, with Luke Bolton forcing an early save from Corey Addai.

Their momentum continued for much of the first half, forcing the Red Devils keeper into action throughout.

The Ammies went into the half disappointed they had not taken the lead, despite being in the ascendency. Salford’s 21 shots in the first 45 minutes were the most they had recorded in one game since playing Colchester in April 2023.

Thank you for your support down in West Sussex, Ammies 👏

Safe journeys home ❤️ pic.twitter.com/CnaLf1E4zS

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) January 13, 2024

The game’s tempo slowed after the restart, but it was still Robinson’s team that controlled the chances in the match.

Bolton once again broke past the Crawley defenders but struck his effort narrowly wide of Addai’s goal.

Callum Hendry and Kelly Nmai were subbed on for Conor McAleny and the impressive Junior Luamba on 72 minutes, and it didn’t take either of them long to get involved.

A misplaced back pass was seized upon by the number 9, and despite the Crawley keeper’s best efforts, the ball spilt into the path of Nmai, who struck home the winner.

That one meant a 𝐋𝐎𝐓 😤 pic.twitter.com/l3BEMXtwxR

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) January 13, 2024

Salford won their first game in all competitions since a 4-3 victory at home to Manchester United in the EFL Trophy on Halloween, with their last triumph in league play against Doncaster a week earlier.

Salford remain in 21st place, but opened up the gap to the relegation zone, now eight points ahead of Sutton United. They welcome the team directly below them in Colchester United to the Peninsula Stadium on Friday night.