County fell to a 3-1 defeat at Salford in a tightly contested affair on Saturday.
The hosts started on the front foot and made the first breakthrough early in the game. A quick break down the left saw a low cross fizzed into the box, and after a scramble, the ball sat up perfectly for a Salford body, who volleyed home.
County looked to get back on level terms immediately and could have done that through Ashton Mee. The midfielder released Jack Loughran down the left, who pulled the ball back across the box to Mee, but his low effort was cleared off the line.
Salford could have doubled their lead midway through the half as a low strike from the edge of the area beat Harry Campell but rolled wide of the post.
Loughran and Mee linked up once again but this time, County were level. A whipped cross from the right found Mee, who had time to control and pick his spot, bringing the scores level.
After levelling, County threatened once more. Kingston Fligg tried his luck from distance, which found the feet of James Barry. His turn inside of the box set up Loughran to have a strike, but his effort was comfortably held by the goalkeeper.
HALF-TIME: Salford 1-1 County
The home side looked to start the second half as they started the first, and some intricate play saw Salford in on goal, but Campell made a great save to keep the scores level. Moments later, Campell was called into action once again. A pass through the County defence saw the striker through, but Campell tipped the ball to safety.
Salford’s pressure paid off as the hosts retook the lead. An in-swinging cross evaded a number of County bodies in the box and found the bottom corner, with Campell unsighted.
A long throw-in from the hosts caused chaos as County failed to clear. The ball fell to a Salford body, who did well to turn and strike, but Campell made a great save and held onto the ball.
As County looked to grab an equaliser, Salford hit them on the break, seeking to kill the game. The striker rounded Campell, who brought the oncoming forwad down for a penalty and received his second yellow card. Dan Harrison was brought on to face the penalty, which was converted out of his reach.
The late penalty condemned County to a 3-1 defeat, despite having large spells of dominance in the game.
FULL-TIME: Salford 3-1 County
County line-up: Campell; Partington, Bradbury-Allen, Watson, Jones; Atkinson (capt.), Mee, Fligg; Barry, Loughran, Depiazza
Subs: Harrison, Martinson, Kibonda, Omoruyi
