Joy for Junior as Ammies clinch win over AFC Wimbledon
Salford City were looking for a win this weekend following a disappointing loss to Newport earlier in the week, with 11th-placed AFC Wimbledon making a 730 km round trip to The Peninsula Stadium. With the looming threat of a 0-0 draw, like the previous 2 identical fixtures, Salford’s Karl Robinson made 3 changes from their previous match. Cole Stockton received his 6th start of the season, with Robinson hoping his threat in front of goal would ensure this wouldn't end in a goalless draw.
Despite the early pressing from The Dons, Salford’s backline proved tough to beat. The 14th minute saw the biggest opportunity of the game so far with a nice bit of passing work from Nmai towards Cole Stockton who volleys the ball over the bar. The first half did not show any other signs of excitement, except for the constant work of the defence of both teams, resulting in 2 yellow cards and plenty of offsides. The poor first half ended with a corner for Wimbledon, however, it was safely caught by Salford’s captain, Jamie Jones. A metaphor of the first half. The first half had nothing to show from either team except for the Ammies greater possession and 2 shots on target to The Dons 0.
The second half showed much better signs for the Ammies, as they came out pressing hard. In the 49th minute, tensions started to build, as Salford’s number 10, Nmai, made a darting run after snatching possession. However loses the ball to Joe Lewis, Wimbledon’s centre back, and commits a fierce challenge. Which landed him in the referee's book, tensions bubble over after the challenge and Hippolyte for The Dons also saw yellow after descent towards the referee, along with Karl Robinson. Nmai kept the pressure up along the left-hand side, the Salford academy graduate caused problems for The Dons defence as he earnt his team yet another corner. The next bit of action came just 15 minutes before full- time, with Wimbledon’s number 9 hitting a fierce header from a corner. The shot was stopped on the line by Jamie Jones, however, AFC Wimbledon’s players' and travelling fans' celebrations were cut short when no goal was given.
Kelly Nmai proved yet again to be a danger to The Dons defence making a threatening run along the left-hand side. He cut inside the box, making a precise pass towards substitute Junior Luamba who slotted the ball far post, past the reaches of the Owen Gooden. The Reds players and fans celebrated massively, with the travelling team looking deflated. Just before the 90th minute, The Dons looked to level the score again as Josh Neufville saw an opportunity go glancing over the bar. 8 minutes of stoppage time provided was not long enough for AFC Wimbledon as the ref blew the final whistle, securing the 3 points for The Ammies bumping them up from 20th to 15th. After the match Robinson praised the team for a good performance however stated “that the team has to score more goals.” in order to clinch games.
The Ammies showed much better spirit in the second half and will be excited for the game on the 12th when they face Grimsby, at the Peninsula again, hoping to utilise the home advantage once more.
All images from @salfordcityfc
