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Wilmslow were hoping to start the season with victory with a crop of new faces and many a desire to improve. With a new midfield partnership of Adrian McConnell and Maguire in the middle, WA looked tasty going forward. The frenetic opening pace saw both teams carving out chances and testing each others defences. It was Wilmslow who drew first blood, when Ste Haymes latched onto a through ball from A McConnell ( the good-looking one ), and keeping composed slotted the ball into the keeper's near post, 0-1 Wilmslow.
Salford responded with increased energy, and began to wreck havoc through the Wilmslow defensive line. Deputising keeper, Scott Etchells was performing heroics between the sticks. This coupled with goal line clearences from Weaver and Verity only seemed to delay the inevitable. With injury to Simpson and forced reshuffles, the failure to close down rampaging Salford attackers saw them equalise and then take the lead, Salford 2-1 up.
The second half saw Hackett also succumb to injury and further changes forced. Advice to move both themselves and the ball much swifter was heeded to the max. Again both sides performing energetically in a desire to capture all 3 points.
Unfortunately the same old sucker punch of a goal, a quick ball over the top, saw the Salford striker slam the ball past a helpless Etchells and give the home side an underserved 3-1 lead. this goal against the run of play clearly highlighted as Wilmslow created numerous chances that were painfully unconverted. Liam Bentley twice doing well to find space to get on the end of crosses but unable to hit the target with his head. A piece of magic from A McConnell ( the pretty one ), saw him intercept a backpass, shimmy and waltz then slot a second for Wilmslow, Abracadabra!!!
As the match reached its conclusion, both teams tired, but it was Salford who were 'victotious' at the end of the game. A good effort, but fitness & intelligence needing some sharpening.
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