County got back to winning ways in the EFL Youth Alliance North West Division on Saturday, as a Josh Fowles brace, on top of goals from Saul Gardner and Joe Hillary, sealed a 4-0 victory over Salford City at SSV.
The visitors had the first chance of the game, as a pass across the box found a red shirt in acres of space. The first-time effort, however, sailed over the bar.
A lofted pass into the visiting number nine caused problems for the County back-line. The striker held the ball up and played a pass to another red shirt, who struck straight at Cian O’Shea.
Another chance came and went for the away side. Another pass across the box presented a great opportunity, but the right-footed effort was sliced wide.
Salford were knocking on the door and forced O’Shea into a great, acrobatic save. Cutting inside from the left, an effort was fired towards goal, but the strike was tipped behind for a corner, just as it looked to be heading in.
HALF-TIME: County 0-0 Salford City
County looked to start the half strong and could have taken the lead. Kylan Depeiaza broke down the right and played Christian Mulindwa through on goal, but the midfielder couldn’t get the ball fully under control and his strike was easily collected by the goalkeeper.
Hillary gave County the lead on the hour mark in spectacular fashion. The left-wing back cut in from the left and curled a magnificent right-footed strike into the top corner from distance.
The hosts were well in control of the game and found a second four minutes later. Great footwork by Depeiaza on the right opened up space for a cross, where Fowles was waiting to poke the ball home.
Gardner gave County a three goal cushion only three minutes later. A perfectly weighted pass through the Salford defence found Gardner, who finished the move off with the outside of his boot.
Within ten minutes, County had scored four goals, with Fowles grabbing his second. Another brilliantly weighted pass found the forward, who dinked the ball into the net.
The visitors did have an opportunity to get one back, as a three-on-two counter attack presented saw County outnumbered. The strike beat O’Shea, but hit the base of the post and away from danger.
Just before the referee blew for full-time, O’Shea made another great save. A looping header back across goal was clawed away by the goalkeeper, who was under pressure from a number of oncoming Salford bodies.
FULL-TIME: County 4-0 Salford City
County XI: O’Shea; Lewis, Scruton, Davis, Watson, Hillary; Trialist, Mulindwa, Jones; Gardner, Depeiaza
