In the Central League Cup, Salford City B defeated Bolton Wanderers B a 1-0 thanks to a composed finish by Alfie Bairstow.
It took more than an hour to break the deadlock in a close game, but once it was, it turned out to be the deciding factor.
Both goalkeepers played well to limit the score, and Bairstow had to be determined to create his chance. With a pass over the top, Matty Cucos created the opening, and Bairstow challenged him to a duel, which allowed him to curl a shot into the far post.
Finley Lockett missed a late opportunity to strike from distance, giving Bolton the chance to tie the score. Salford then had a chance to extend the lead, but substitute Harry Showman’s header was superbly saved.
The team responded encouragingly to last week’s loss at Wrexham, and Danny Byrne was happy to see them maintain a clean sheet as well.
We discussed it prior to the game, and it was a good answer. I believe the guys have learned from some of their mistakes from last week, because despite playing tough opponents and conceding as many goals as we did last week, they managed to come away with a clean sheet tonight.
We conceded goals that we might not have to, so I think it will please the boys to keep a clean sheet. It will also please Joel Torrance, who made a few excellent saves. All in all, it was a pleasing performance with some positive things to remember.
Joel made some excellent saves, but I felt that overall we were much better defensively. That’s what you want, that reaction from the boys to learn from a tough one last week and then go into today’s game and show that they’ve learned from that experience that they’ve had. Matt Cucos returning from injury and pairing with Jacob Lara gives it a bit of balance there.
We claimed at halftime that we might have been more merciless at more points in the first half, but we weren’t, which is probably why we were tied at the half. We played aggressively, applying pressure, and when young Alfie seizes the opportunity, he uses it well. It’s a wonderful conclusion. Alfie was truly excellent today, in my opinion. He tried to win the ball back up the pitch and made some excellent selections. As a result, I felt that he deserved his goal today after putting on a really strong display.
Right now, our selection of games is excellent. We currently have a very diverse group of players because some of the squad is obviously out on loan and playing there, we have guys from the B-Team in the building, guys from the youth team stepping up to play in the B-Team, and a few guys who have been in and around the first team dropping in to play.
But as the season draws to a close, it’s fantastic for all of them because we have a ton of games, minutes, and fixtures planned for them. As a result, they will all have a great time.
Preston North End is scheduled to come next week; further information will be verified.
