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Salford City U18 v Preston North End U18

11am  17 August 2019

EFL Youth Alliance, North West
Salford City U18 3 Preston North End U18 2 (att 96)

With Salford City's elevation to the Football League has come a place in the EFL Youth Alliance, and this win, against a Preston side who had won both their opening fixtures, confirmed that they'll be very competitive.

On the balance of play they were a little fortunate to get all three points. Salford took a first half lead against the run of play, but soon conceded an equaliser from the penalty spot. The kick rebounded off a post, but Preston reacted quicker and the rebound was scored.

But North End switched off at the back in the opening moments of the second half. Salford went ahead within a minute of the restart, and got a crucial third goal just five minutes later. Preston got one back, and looked capable of levelling, but Salford held out.

Salford City's Youth Alliance venue is Partington Sports Village. I came for a pre-season friendly in 2015, so assumed this would be a revisit, but was pleased to discover Salford's pitch didn't overlap the one used that day.

As is usual for youth team games, the coaches and substitutes are on one touchline, while spectators line the opposite side.

Behind the coaching staff is a second second pitch, roped off on one side and behind one goal, which I'd assumed would stage Partington Village's Cheshire League game in the afternoon. However, photos on Partington's Twitter account showed that they used the same pitch as Salford.








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