SALFORD made history on Saturday by winning their first piece of major silverware at Wembley – but had to hand it back NINETY MINUTES later.
Jason Lowe buried the winning penalty to win a shootout 4-2 against League One Portsmouth after the teams were deadlocked 0-0 after 120 minutes to land the Papa John’s Trophy.
Salford beat Portsmouth 4-2 on penalties at Wembley to win the 2020 EFL TrophyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Jason Lowe scored the winner for the League Two sideCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Man Utd legends Paul Scholes, Roy Keane and Ryan Giggs watch on from the standsCredit: PA:Press Association
Co-owners Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs watched on from the stands with ex-Manchester United team-mate Roy Keane also in attendance.
Along with fellow co-owners – class of 92 team-mates David Beckham, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville and Singapore billionaire Peter Lim – the trio have rocketed the club up the divisions.
But – because Saturday’s final was postponed from last season – the silverware had to remain at the stadium for it to be ready for Sunday’s showpiece between Sunderland and Tranmere.
League Two club Salford – only in their second EFL season – now boast the honour of being the shortest-ever holders of a British domestic football trophy.
By the time Sunday’s trophy is presented Salford will have only held the title for 24 hours.
Boss Richie Wellens said: “I’ve told the players to remember when Morecambe and Oldham scored in the last minute against us and celebrated like they’d won the World Cup rather than just three points.
“We’ve won a trophy today and I want the players to enjoy that feeling. I’m going to enjoy it too and have a beer with the lads in the dressing room.”
EFL officials confirmed Salford were given a replica as they boarded the team coach, which they can borrow for a few months.
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Salford co-owner Gary Neville adjusts his face mask amid the actionCredit: PA:Press Association
Neville could barely watch in extra-timeCredit: Rex Features
Salford were deserved winners without a doubt.
When Portsmouth lifted the FA Cup in 2008 as a Premier League club, Salford were playing in the North West Counties League – EIGHT divisions below them.
But Saturday – after a staggering turn of fortunes for both clubs – only a league separated them.
However, had it not been for a series of stunning saves from Portsmouth keeper Craig MacGillivray, the Ammies would have won this game at a canter.
And when it got down to penalties, they did not bottle it either – scoring all four of their penalties with Pompey missing their first two.
Wembley already had a special place in the hearts of Salford after they won promotion from the National League through the play-offs two years ago – and here they were again celebrating another glorious triumph.
It was a tragedy their loyal fans who have watched the incredible climb up the league were not here to see it.
The players were able to celebrate on the pitch with the silverware and in their changing room – but then had to hand it back to EFL officials as they left the stadium so it could be sanitised and be ready for the winner of this season’s final between Sunderland and Tranmere.
Pompey keeper Craig MacGillivray made several good saves and was the clear man-of-the-matchCredit: PA:Press Association
Salford had the majority of big chances in normal timeCredit: Rex Features
Boss Richie Wellens only took over in November after the club sacked Graham Alexander.
And he said: “I’m not comfortable with anyone saying that I have delivered this first piece of silverware.
“You have to give Graham Alexander and all the players that contributed last season a lot of credit. They are part of this success.
“We’ve simply been presented with a final at Wembley.
“Gary asked if he could come down to the dressing room and I’m sure he’s in there right now.
“We deserved this today though. We were the better team in the middle of the park, created the most chances and this is a proud day for me and the club.”
MacGillivray pulled off top saves to deny James Wilson’s 25 yarder and another effort from Brandon Thomas-Asante.
Wilson then forced him into a superb save after a wonderful cross from Ibou Touray.
And he somehow managed to keep out Jordan Turnbull’s shot on the turn.
And Sean Raggett was lucky after getting caught in possession by Thomas-Asante with Wilson’s shot across goal just evading Ash Hunter.
So poor were Pompey, Kenny Jackett made a triple substitution at the break.
On came Ronan Curtis, Lee Brown and Marcus Harness.
Both goalkeepers performed heroicallyCredit: Rex Features
It was a keenly contested but cagey affair at WembleyCredit: Rex Features
And they were denied taking the lead when Curtis cashed in on a slip from Lowe but saw his effort saved by Vaclav Hladky.
MacGillivray made another stunning stop to deny Ash Eastham.
With 10 minutes left, Curtis sent a scissor kick over.
And Pompey went so close to snatching victory when Brown shot inches wide.
But there was time for MacGillivray to somehow keep out a Bruno Andrade header from point-blank range.
Hladky made a stunning save to match from Ryan Williams.
And Pompey captain Tom Naylor scuffed a great chance wide in a crowded penalty box.
And in extra-time, stoppage-time Andrade could have won it but shot just wide.
After Williams skied the opening kick in the shootout and Curtis saw his one saved, Pompey could not recover.
And Jackett is under huge pressure with his team now out of the play-off spots and facing promotion rivals Peterborough on Tuesday and Ipswich Saturday, having lost five of their last seven League One games.
The Pompey boss said: “Salford had the first half, we had the second and most of extra-time. We paid for not taking our chances.”
Scholes wrapped up warm to watch the Manchester based sideCredit: Rex Features
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
