Salford City were forced to share a point away from home against league leaders Walsall after conceding two late goals.
Goals from Cole Stockton and Hakeeb Adelakun were not enough to take all three points home, as Walsall were able to fight their way back into the game with a brace from substitute Danny Johnson.
The Ammies who travelled to the game without a win in four were hoping to turn their league form around.
Karl Robinsons’ side were kicking off without a win since January 4 2025, when they travelled to MK Dons and won 1-0.
Whilst league leaders Walsall were approaching the game losing back-to-back fixtures, against Bradford City and Fleetwood Town.
The Saddlers who were nine points clear before the kickoff were hoping to restart their push for the league title.
However, the fixture started with the home side on the back foot, as Salford were able to take the lead within 10 minutes.
Stockton, who was alone at the back post was able to control the ball from Adelakun confidently, before smashing it past the keeper on the six-yard line.
Taking the lead early on it looked as though the Ammies were going to be able to turn their recent form around.
However, the Ammies would have to ward off multiple chances from the Saddlers, with Salford facing 16 shots from the home side.
But being able to hold off the home sides chances in the first half, Salford City were able to extend their lead in the 75th minute.
Karl Robinsons’ side were able to make a fast break, with Stockton winning a header allowing Lund to break through Walsall’s defensive line.
The veteran Salford midfielder was able to slide and play the ball through towards Adelakun, who calmly put his chance away.
With a two goal lead and 15 minutes to go it seemed that the Ammies would be able to reignite their promotion push – but it wasn’t to be.
Salford City were unable to take advantage of the lead, as in the 78th minute, substitute Danny Johnson was able to get on the end of a cross and scramble the ball into the net.
And it seemed that the defensive errors in the six-yard-box would continue, as with three minutes to go the home side were able to equalise.
In a last grasp attempt, the Saddlers were able to swing a ball into the box – the ball was punched into the air by goalkeeper Jamie Jones.
The lifted ball caused a scramble of players in the six-yard-box once again, with the substitute being in the perfect place at the backpost for the equaliser.
The dropped points will be a painful for the travelling fans with their side in the lead for 75 minutes, however, a point against the league leaders was signs of improvement, especially with a number of injured players.
And this was felt by Karl Robinson said after the game: “We had our backs against the wall for large parts of the game and I thought our defending was excellent.
“The one time our centre back got caught under the ball, Walsall had that little bit of luck, and the last goal is something we will look at.
“I’ve certainly got warriors and that is everything I believe in.”
He continued: “I’m a happy man and a proud man and I back these players. I am proud to be their manager tonight.”
Salford City will be hoping to convert their performance into a victory, as they return to the Peninsula Stadium tomorrow night (February 4 2025) against Bromley.
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