Salford will go down in history as one of football’s shortest champions after they defeated Portsmouth 4-2 on penalties after a goalless game at Wembley to win the Papa John’s Trophy.
The COVID-19 outbreak 12 months ago forced the postponement of last season’s Wembley showpiece final, with the League Two side being allowed to hold onto the trophy for just 24 hours before Sunderland and Tranmere meet tomorrow.
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Jason Lowe took a stuttering run-up, but showed no signs of nerves as he lifted the ball over the despairing dive of Pompey goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray to settle the game at Wembley.
In 2014, Salford were taken over by Manchester United’s Class of ’92 alumni Gary Neville, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and David Beckham.
Neville, Giggs and Scholes were at Wembley to enjoy the famous moment, but would have been watching much of the enthralling contest through their fingers.
Neither side could find a goal in normal time or extra time as both goalkeepers produced a series of fine saves to keep the game scoreless.
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Getty Images - Getty
If MacGillivray had been the hero during the goalless two hours, his counterpart Hladky would surpass him in the shoot-out.
Williams ballooned Portsmouth’s first spot-kick over the crossbar with Luke Burgess sending MacGillivray the wrong way to give Salford the early advantage.
Hladky would make a superb stop to save Curtis’ effort and Salford would move further clear through Dieseruvwe’s cool penalty.
Brown made no mistake with his emphatic penalty but Thomas-Asante would score for Salford, maintaining their perfect run.
Raggett had to score for Pompey and obliged with a good strike, meaning Lowe could win it for Salford.
He would lash it home to win the shoot-out for the League Two side, leading to jubilant celebrations on the Wembley pitch
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