After 3.5 million people watched Salford City beat League Two Notts County with a slice of FA Cup magic last week, the Ammies are again in cup contention tonight at Moor Lane.
It’s down to earth for the Salford boys though, as away from the BBC cameras they face local rivals Trafford in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Integro Sports Cup.
Kick-off tonight is 7.45pm, with the club hierarchy are hoping the FA Cup run will bring a legion of new fans to their Kersal ground.
Many thousands of potential spectators were turned away when Salford’s first round 1,000 allocation was snapped up within four hours.
And with club co-owner Paul Scholes telling the Daily Mail that the win was ‘better than the Champions League’, that hunger for tickets won’t diminish.
Danny Williams sees the ball over the line against Notts County – © Charlotte Tattersall
Salford have drawn Hartlepool at home in the second round, which will be played over the weekend of 4-7 December.
It’s also a chance for striker James Poole – arguably Salford’s best player in the 2-0 Notts County win – to face the side with whom he made 113 appearances for between 2010 and 2014.
Salford fans go wild after FA Cup win © Charlotte Tattersall
The reality is that Salford City, who lie fourth in the league, nine points behind leaders Blyth Spartans but with three games in hand, will still want to secure promotion this season.
And these cup matches are an interesting distraction from the usual league games.
Still, the more silverware the better, and Salford have a good chance of defeating their rivals from over the Irwell.
Paddy Power has Salford 8/15 to win with Trafford priced at 10/3.
And if just a few of the 1,000 return to Moor Lane, that’s a victory for Salford already.
Prices at Moor Lane for tonight’s cup game are £7, Concessions £2 (Over 60, Students with ID) Under 16s £1, it’s a great way to support your local Salford team.
Main image: Gary Neville and Nicky Butt at Moor Lane © Charlotte Tattersall
