SALFORD CITY 2, FC HALIFAX TOWN 1
Adam Rooney fired Salford City to their first victory of the season in the National League.
The 30-year-old striker, a recent signing from Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen, scored both goals against FC Halifax Town who arrived at the Peninsula Stadium top of the table having won their first three games.
Rooney, who joined Salford as he wanted to be part of their exciting rise to within touching distance of the EFL, is already repaying the investment as he has found the net three times in the first four league games.
Stand-in captain Rooney had already been brilliantly denied by 6ft 7in keeper Sam Johnson before he broke the deadlock in the 11th minute with a delightful glancing header.
Salford, who had picked up one point from their first three games, were on top until late in the half when their keeper ensured it remained 1-0 with two super saves to deny Dayle Southwell and Jonathan Edwards.
Carl Piergianni and Danny Lloyd twice had chance to add a second goal.
They looked like costly misses as Halifax made it 1-1 with 17 minutes left when Matthew Kosylo was left unmarked to slide home a low cross.
Salford had surrendered the lead for a fourth successive match which again appeared their Achilles heel.
However Rooney, taunted by the visiting fans for being a waste of money, had the last word and laugh when he scored the winner after 83 minutes with a fantastic hooked shot from almost over his shoulder.
And it proved that Rooney’s quality could be integral to Salford enjoying a successful season.