A moment of pure quality from Joe Powell was enough to secure three points for Salford City at Moor Lane. His stunning long-range strike 13 minutes from time gave the Ammies a 1-0 win over Swindon Town, extending their unbeaten league run to four matches. This recent form, which includes two wins and two draws, has propelled them to 12th in the standings with 10 points from their opening seven games. The victory keeps them within five points of the leaders, Barnet, as they build momentum ahead of a trip to face Oldham next Saturday in their next fixtures entry.
Chances at both ends
The game was tight for long periods. Swindon, whose manager Ian Holloway made nine changes from his midweek side, had the first real chance when Joseph Hungbo fired wide from a corner. At the other end, Kelly N’Mai saw a 15th-minute effort blocked and later combined with Taylor Allen, whose cross caused problems. Salford’s best first-half opening fell to Brendan Wiredu just after the half-hour, but his shot was also blocked. Swindon’s Aaron Drinan was denied by Will Norris in a one-on-one shortly after the break, and Ollie Clarke headed a good chance off target. Norris's clean sheet adds to his individual stats for the season.
Powell provides the magic
The breakthrough finally arrived from distance. Collecting the ball around 35 yards out, Powell unleashed a powerful drive that flew past Connor Ripley. The Swindon keeper had earlier saved a Powell free-kick and made a sharp stop to deny the same player again in stoppage time, but he was helpless against the winner. Powell described it simply as "a wonder strike". The goal, assisted by N’Mai, was his second in three league games, following his effort in the 3-3 draw at Rotherham. The midfielder has now scored two goals from a total of just three shots on target this season, a remarkable conversion rate detailed in the team's stats hub.
Holloway’s reshuffled Swindon side offered a threat but could not find a way past Norris. The result leaves Salford looking up the table with renewed confidence. Their next challenge is an away game at Boundary Park against 16th-placed Oldham, a fixture they will approach with the aim of continuing their positive run and climbing further up the League Two standings.
First reported at Sky Sports
