We take a closer look at our next opponents, Salford City, who make the trip to Sixfields at the weekend.
THE MANAGER: GARY BOWYER
Gary Bowyer was appointed by Salford City in March 2021, becoming the third permanent manager at the club that season after Graham Alexander and Richie Wellens. He joined on a deal until the end of the season from Derby County where he was in charge of the under 23’s, as part of the agreement Bowyer would head back to Derby at the end of the season.
Having returned to Derby County on 10th May 2021 he quickly returned to Salford on the 12th May 2021 with the clubs agreeing a deal that saw Bowyer permanently appointed Salford City manager, signing a two-year contract at the Ammies. Bowyer has a host of managerial experience with the Mancunian previously having held similar positions at Blackburn Rovers, Blackpool and Bradford City.
KEY PLAYER: JOSH MORRIS
Josh Morris signed for Salford City in the summer of 2021, penning a two-year deal at The Peninsula Stadium after leaving Fleetwood Town. At 30 years old he has plenty of experience in his locker, having spent 10 years as a player in the EFL. His previous clubs include Blackburn Rovers, Bradford City, Scunthorpe United and Fleetwood Town, where he has signed for the club on three separate occasions. Morris has also had loan spells at Yeovil Town, Rotherham United and Carlisle United.
An intelligent left sided midfielder, Morris has made 24 appearances for Salford City this season and leads their assist charts with 5 as well as chipping in with 3 goals too. The Salford City number 11 is known for his long-range shooting and his set pieces are a threat to any team at this level, with his five assists so far being proof of that.
LAST TIME WE PLAYED
Salford City 2-2 Northampton Town
The Cobblers made two changes following a draw with Swindon Town in the previous match with Dylan Connolly and Paul Lewis coming in to the starting line-up while ex-Northampton Town defender Jordan Turnbull started for the Ammies.
It was a warm afternoon in Salford, and it was the Cobblers who struck first with Paul Lewis netting his first goal for the club with a free header in the area following a flick on from a Sam Hoskins throw. Salford hit back just 8 minutes later with Matthew Lund hitting a half-volley from the edge of the area leaving Liam Roberts with no chance.
It was 1-1 at the break and there were few chances for either side in the second period, but it was the Cobblers who found the breakthrough on 77 minutes with substitute Mitch Pinnock powering a header in to the net from a pin point Aaron McGowan cross from the right hand side. Salford managed to snatch a late, late equaliser with Ash Eastham scoring from close range in stoppage time.
It ended 2-2 with Northampton Town making it 5 points from their last three games.
CURRENT LEAGUE FORM
11/01 – Salford City 1-1 Tranmere Rovers
15/01 – Bradford City 2-1 Salford City
18/01 – Port Vale 0-1 Salford City
22/01 – Salford City 0-3 Colchester United
25/01 - Barrow 0-2 Salford City
LAST TIME OUT: BARROW AFC
Salford City come in to this fixture on the back of a 2-0 away win over Barrow AFC as they hit back from their previous disappointment against Colchester United.
The three points over Barrow puts the Ammies in 9th place in Sky Bet League Two, just 4 points off of the play-off places in a very close promotion/play-off battle.
It was a cagey first half with chances for either side at a premium, Donald Love was booked for Salford in the half’s only notable bit of action. The first goal of the game didn’t come until the 60th minute with Ash Hunter finally breaking the deadlock with a low free-kick that wrong footed Barrow goalkeeper, Paul Farman and found its way in to the bottom corner. Salford looked to build on that goal as the half went on and in the end they got their reward, Ryan Watson playing a ball in to Conor McAleny, he crossed in for Matt Smith but Barrow’s Remeao Hutton beat him to it and unfortunately put the ball in to his own net and secured the three points for the visiting Salford City.