Swindon Town look forward to hosting Salford City in the return fixture at The County Ground today at 3pm.
The hosts will be looking for a different kind of result to last time out as Town were defeated in an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Newport County last weekend.
Salford currently sit in 19th position with 34 points, as they look to build on their form from their recent victory against Wrexham.
A lowdown on the visitors
Founded in 1940 as Salford Central, the football club initially competed in local leagues for young players. Early success came in the form of two Division 2 titles in 1955-56 and 1959-1960, along with the Division 3 title in 1958-59.
In 1963, the club adopted the name Salford Amateurs, earning them the nickname 'The Ammies.' They also moved up to the Manchester League Division 1 and clinched the title in 1968-69, securing promotion to the Premier Division.
In 2013-14, significant changes occurred as members of the Class of '92, including Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, and others, took over the club, with Singaporean businessman Peter Lim acquiring a 50% stake. With this fresh start came a new crest and red shirts, and a successful season under new management.
In the 2014-15 season, Salford made an impact in the NPL Premier Division and progressed in the FA Cup, reaching unprecedented levels of competition. The club continued to rise in the football world.
The 2016-17 season marked the beginning of transformative developments, including plans for a 5,000-capacity stadium suitable for the Football League. The club maintained strong league performances and earned a play-off spot.
Summer 2017 marked a groundbreaking shift as Salford City turned professional and introduced an academy. They assembled a full-time squad, securing another promotion. Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's departure brought Graham Alexander as the manager.
The 2018-19 season witnessed further success for the newly formed Salford City Lionesses. In their debut season, they clinched multiple titles.
Salford City's entry into the Football League in 2019-20 began with a memorable win against Stevenage but saw fluctuations in form due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The club secured its first EFL silverware by winning the EFL Trophy.
The 2020-21 season marked changes in management, and Salford made strides in the Carabao Cup but experienced inconsistencies in league form. Václav Hladky's goalkeeping prowess and solid defence garnered recognition.
In the 2021-22 season, the club secured a 10th-place finish under Gary Bowyer. In May 2022, Neil Wood became the Head Coach, bringing a new playing style and emphasis on player development. A strong start put Salford at the top of League Two, and Brandon Thomas-Asante earned a move to West Bromwich Albion, as the club continues to push for a promotion to the third tier for the first time after a play-off semi-final defeat last season, but a difficult start to the current 23/24 season.
Memorable Match:
Eoin Doyle scored a brace as Swindon fired themselves to the top of League Two thanks to a fourth-consecutive victory with a narrow 3-2 win at Salford.
The hosts opened the scoring early from the penalty spot as Adam Rooney coolly slotted home after he had been clumsily tripped by Swindon goalkeeper Steven Benda.
The Robins equalised in the 10th minute when Doyle met Michael Doughty's through-ball before side-footing home his eighth goal in six games.
Salford came close to regaining the lead when Rooney flashed a low drive, just inches past the post following Joey Jones' excellent pass.
In first-half stoppage-time, Swindon skipper Mathieu Baudry headed narrowly over the crossbar from Kaiyne Woolery's cross.
Swindon went in front from the spot after the 54th minute as Doyle smashed home his 16th league goal of the season - and ninth from the last six matches - after Salford skipper Liam Hogan blocked Jerry Yates' shot with his arm.
Twelve minutes from time the visitors made it 3-1 when Yates mopped up a loose ball after goalkeeper Chris Neal could not hold on to strikes from Doughty and then Doyle.
Rooney scored a second penalty with the last kick of the game after Baudry had felled Jones, but Swindon held on for maximum points.
Head-to-head
23/24: Salford City 2-2 Swindon Town
22/23: Salford City 1-2 Swindon Town
22/23: Swindon Town 0-0 Salford City
21/22: Swindon Town 1-2 Salford City
21/22: Salford City 0-1 Swindon Town
The manager: Karl Robinson
Robinson started his managerial career after a long spell in non-league football, where he would find himself managing MK Dons, before going to Charlton Athletic than Oxford United before ending up at Salford.
In six seasons with the Dons, Karl won automatic promotion to the Championship and twice reached the League One play-offs, while at Oxford the team qualified for another two play-off campaigns in the third tier of the Football League.
One to watch: Matt Smith
A proven goalscorer across the National League and League Two, 34-year-old Matt Smith will be looking to add to his 19 goals in the 23/24 season.
Having initially joined the Accies after a prolific spell in the higher EFL divisions, Smith will be looking to add to his currently impressive goalscoring tally for Salford and in previous clubs, to lift his side up the table.
