Salford earn first-leg play-off lead against Grimsby
Salford earn first-leg play-off lead against Grimsby Salford City will take home a narrow one-goal lead after coming from behind to defeat Grimsby Town in the League Two semi-final play-off first leg. It was a spectacular start to the game at Blundell Park with an outrageous goal coming within seconds from an unlikely source. With just 26 seconds gone in the game a ball dropped to Reece Staunton on the edge of the area.
The defender hadn't scored all season but managed to produce a side-footed volley from distance that goalkeeper Matt Young wasn't able to keep out. The visitors were level inside the fourth minute after a blistering start from both sides when Kallum Cesay slotted the ball past Jackson Smith to make it 1-1. After that start the game did settle down and the Ammies took the lead five minutes before half-time but with some controversy.
The goal came from a corner that Adebola Oluwo headed in. The Mariners wanted the goal disallowed with Haji Mnoga said to be in an offside position while blocking the view of Smith. However, the goal was allowed to stand and, after a slower second half, is the only thing separating these two sides before the second leg at the Peninsula Stadium on Friday evening.