SALFORD CITY 0, AFC WIMBLEDON 0
Salford City’s push for promotion is being impeded by a lack on firepower.
The goal-shy Ammies failed to find the net for a fourth successive game in league and cup as they were held at home by AFC Wimbledon in a first-ever meeting of the two clubs who are both relatively new members of the EFL.
Salford, with only one win in their last eight games in all competitions, have also forgotten how to win at home as this was a sixth league game in League Two without a victory as they have slipped out of the promotion play-off places.
Leeds United loanee Jack Jenkins hit the upright in the opening half and in the second half Salford were denied by goalkeeper Nikola Tzanev who pulled off super saves to deny Luke Bolton and substitute Matt Smith on another frustrating afternoon.
“It was a step in the right direction, and we got the voodoo off our back at home where we didn’t want another defeat,” explained head coach Neil Wood.
“It could have been 2-0 or 3-0 if we had taken our chances. I want us to be more ruthless and more clinical in front of goal.
“There have been massive improvements in the last three games. We must keep believing in what we are doing, and it will change.”
Wimbledon extended their unbeaten run to seven games, including five in the league, and had chances to take all three points as home keeper Tom King pulled off super saves to twice deny Josh Davison while Ethan Chislett also had a great chance.
Manager Johnnie Jackson explained the team had to play a different way as they were without suspended top scorer Ayoub Assal who had five goals in the last six games.
“It was a good, solid performance and back-to-back clean sheets as we limited Salford to few chances,” he said.
Jackson is suddenly looking upwards rather than downwards as the Dons, who had a challenging start to the season after last season’s relegation, are enjoying better fortunes on the pitch.
“That’s five unbeaten in the league, having won three, and it gives us a platform to look higher,” he said.
“They are small steps. We are definitely improving, building momentum and going in the right direction.”