(LIVE SPORT!) Live stream: Northampton VS Birmingham 19 July 2023
Midfielder Ryan Watson picked up possession before advancing on a left of centre run prior to drilling in a low 25-yarder. The former Bradford man tried a left-footed first-time effort from the edge of the box, only to lift the ball high over the crossbar. The home side went closer on the half-hour after Watson stroked a good pass down the left for Ibou Touray. A squared ball inside was perfect for McAleny to run on yet he could only hit a 14-yarder straight at Burge. Twelve minutes before the interval Salford retook the lead after Watt pinched possession deep inside Salford territory. Watson took up the running, advancing at speed on a course that took him almost to the Northampton penalty area. An unselfish nudged pass to the left found McALENY in space and he advanced a little before drilling an angled 12-yarder past Burge and inside the far upright.
A superb assist for Watson and a third top quality finish in two games for McAleny, and Salford had an advantage they would not relinquish. Cairns extended a foot to deflect the ball to safety and the visitors were soon pushing forward again. A corner from the right was prodded away by the Salford defence, but only into the path of Marc Leonard who powered in a rising 22-yarder from left of centre that crashed into the midriff of Guthrie and away to relative safety. The Northern Irishman controlled nicely before nudging a pass left for McAleny to hit a low angled effort wide of the far upright.
It would take a good save to preserve that lead though as Hoskins almost levelled again 3 minutes before half-time. A touch of twisting and turning from Eppiah on the right-hand side of the area was followed by a pass back for Hoskins, 17 yards out. The Town marksman managed to squeeze a well-hit low effort between Vassell and Watt, with Cairns getting down to his left to push the ball away to safety. Cairns dropped to one knee to collect, only for the ball to skid off his gloves then drop over his left shoulder and into the net. A greasy surface wouldn’t have helped but Cairns will be disappointed not to have made what should have been routine save. A blow for The Ammies yet they didn’t let it affect them too much and were soon back on the offensive.
The Ammies continued to press and a Watson effort from distance was collected comfortably by Burge. On 20 minutes Theo Vassell lifted a pass from deep out to the left where McAleny cut inside before allowing Bailey to take the ball. The former Birmingham man is yet to record his first Salford goal and this time could only drag a 22-yarder from just left of centre wide of the far post. Salford had been on top so far, preventing their opponents from making any real attacking headway. That all changed in the 23rd minute, in somewhat unfortunate circumstances for The Ammies. Josh Appiah’s shot from the edge of the box was blocked, with the ball going loose inside the penalty area.
[[[live tv==](((]] Northampton VS Birmingham live stream 19Salford City 2-1 Northampton Town | Results 2022-23Salford City won a home league game for the first time since August as high-flying Northampton Town were beaten by the odd goal in three at The Peninsula Stadium. In front of Sky’s cameras Ethan Galbraith put The Ammies ahead inside the opening 10 minutes.
McAleny was enjoying a lively afternoon and nudged a pass inside from the left for Elliot Watt. Jason Lowe replaced Luke Bolton at right-back and Ryan Leak was in for the injured Richard Nartey in the centre of defence. A day’s incessant rain had left the playing surface a touch on the damp side, with the match officials having a precautionary look prior to the game. Fortunately, the sun appeared an hour or so before kick off and the scene was almost spring-like as the game got underway. Salford would be the more positive side during the first half and after some enterprising early play had their first effort on goal in the 8th minute.
That lead didn’t last too long but Conor McAleny scored his third in two games to restore the home side’s advantage a dozen minutes before the break. Neil Wood’s side had to soak up some pressure after the break but they defended well when required to secure the points, as well as a place inside the play-off zone for the first time since October. There were changes made to the side that started the New Year’s Day defeat to Bradford City, starting in goal where loan signing from Fleetwood Town Alex Cairns was preferred to Tom King.