Gary Stopforth’s second half equaliser sealed a crucial point for Salford against promotion rivals Nantwich Town.
The Ammies dug deep to secure the draw in this top of the table clash.
Stopforth’s first goal of the season saw Salford equalised in the 49th minute after Matt Bell put Nantwich ahead.
Free-scoring Nantwich looked extremely dangerous in the opening stages of the first half but Salford managed to soak up the pressure, defending well as a unit throughout.
Salford only had three outfield subs available, having been hit by injury and recalls over the Christmas break.
Against his former club Nantwich forward Matt Kosylo looked the sharpest, with a pinpoint cross reaching Jon Moran in the eighth minute that the rangy defenfer couldn’t capitalise on.
Phil Parkinson’s lively charges were pulling Salford’s defence this way and that, and on the 31st minute Matt Bell struck for the home side.
Kosylo slid a nice pass out to the left for Thornton to run on to and when the Salford defence failed to deal with the squared ball into the box Bell composed himself to slot a low 15-yarder past Jay Lynch.
After the break Johnson and Morley replaced Jordan Hulme and Luke Clark with debutant John Johnston (see below) and Joe Mwasile.
Stopforth started and finished his own attack by sliding a pass out to the left for Mwasile whose delivery into the box caused problems for the home defence. Nanwtwich couldn’t clear a bouncing ball and from the egde of the box Stopforth rifled a low shot that zipped past the keeper to level the scores.
New signing for Salford
Alfreton Town winger John Johnston has joined Salford City on a month’s loan.
The signing shores up a somewhat depleted Ammies squad which has seen a number of injuries thin the ranks.
Johnston has been described as a pacy, “old fashioned” winger who’ll offer more attacking options for joint-managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley.
The Staffordshire-born 21 year-old started out with Kidsgrove Athletic in the Evo-Stik League’s First Division South before a move to Leek Town, and then up the ranks to League One side Crewe Alexandra.
Alfreton stepped in to sign Johnston on a permanent deal in January 2015 and he after more than 40 first team appearances for the Reds he has now made the decision to move to Moor Lane on a month’s loan.
Salford face Skelmersdale United at Moor Lane on Saturday 9 January and must look to a third successive home win to keep up the promotion pressure.
With thanks to Andy Giblin. Main image via Salford City Youtube
