Salford City extended their unbeaten run in league matches to 15, as they secured their second straight away clean sheet by winning 1-0 against Nuneaton Town.
Mike Phenix was the game’s only scorer, bagging his third in as many games, while the hosts barely tested Jay Lynch between the sticks.
Both teams exchanged counter-attacking breaks in the opening ten minutes but dogged defence on both sides limited chances to long shots to kept the game in balance.
The deadlock was broken when Mike Phenix surged down the right hand side before cutting in with the ball and firing a thunderbolt strike to become the Ammies’ top scorer and give Salford the lead.
Mike Phenix after scoring for Salford City – @SalfordFCPhotos/Charlotte Tattersall
Salford City fans – @SalfordFCPhotos/Charlotte Tattersall
Salford City fans – @SalfordFCPhotos/Charlotte Tattersall
The forward almost added another on the 20 minute mark in similar fashion, however was unlucky this time as the ball went inches wide.
Nuneaton’s best chance of the half came near the half hour mark after Scott Burton was booked and gave away a free kick just outside the box.
David Morgan fired a near perfect strike that went over the wall and smashed the crossbar.
The Ammies continued to press for a second goal before the halftime whistle, this time it was Jordan Hulme who came close after cutting inside from the left and found himself one on one with Callum Burton, however his shot was tame and easy for the keeper to stop.
Salford had a penalty appeal waved away, after David Morgan quite clearly struck the ball with his hand after a Salford cross.
Referee Daniel Middleton declined to point to the spot, much to the dismay of co-manager Anthony Johnson, who was incensed at the decision on the touchline.
Credit to Salford though, it didn’t stop them creating chances, with Mike Phenix being denied by a good save by Callum Burton, and Simon Grand’s header from the following corner going inches wide.
On the hour mark Scott Burton fired a piledriver of a shot from 25 yards out after picking the ball up from a corner, and was unlucky to see the ball cannon off the bar.
It also brought massive protests from the hosts after Burton was clattered claiming the ball from a set piece, however the referee awarded Salford a free kick and then took their time making a double substitution; to the dismay of home faithful.
Their best chance of the second half came via miraculous circumstances, an early cross from Sam Warburton looked to be going out for a throw, but the wind drifted the ball into the feet of Kristian Scott who was onside.
The midfielder delivered a low cross that was easily cleared by The Ammies back line, as it started to look like the visitors would continue to suffer their goal drought at Liberty Way.
Salford City will aim to keep their 100% away record when they travel to AFC Fylde on Tuesday evening, whilst Nuneaton will travel to Yorkshire to face fellow slow starters Harrogate Town next Saturday.
Salford City (4-3-3): Lynch, Nottingham, O’Halloran, S Burton, Grand (c), Priestley,M Warburton, Walker, Phenix (Johnston ’70), Poole (Allen ’70), Hulme (King’ 90)
Subs not used: Clark, Barnes.
Booked: S Burton ’28
Nuneaton Town (4-4-2): C Burton, Clifton, S Warburton, Morgan, Langmead (c), Keane, Elliott (Scott ’45), Daniels, Ironside, Williams (McDonald ’81), Tempest (Anderson ’45)
Subs not used: Wheatley, Moli,
Referee: Daniel Middleton
Venue: Liberty Way
Attendance: 621
