City (4-3-3)

6 Vaughan – will be frustrated to have been beaten at his near post for Phenix’s opener but kept City in it with a couple of decent saves.

7 Chambers – had an excellent afternoon before being forced off with a hamstring injury to bring his season to an end.

7 Hutchison – coped well with a barrage of long throw-ins into the box but was just unable to get enough on a header which resulted in Phenix scoring.

7 Oji – a strong performance from the centre-back who kept things simple, clearing his lines whenever the ball dropped to him.

7 Weir – given the captain’s armband for the second successive game and produced another brave display, winning the ball several times for his side.

6 Nelson-Addy – returning to the starting line-up, he worked hard defensively but did not provide enough spark going forward.

5 J Keane – a disappointing day at the office for the midfielder whose passing was sloppy at times and nutmegged by Nick Haughton for his late winner.

7 C Keane – wore his heart on his sleeve as he drove forward at every opportunity and put in some dangerous deliveries.

6 English – clearly still carrying an injury, the makeshift striker gave his all but missed a gilt-edged chance to give City the lead.

7 MURPHY – ran his socks off up front and took his only chance of the game, superbly guiding a header beyond the reach of Lynch. My man of the match.

6 Muskwe – showed some nice touches but strikers are judged on goals and he has still failed to hit the net since joining City on loan.

Subs: Sharpe 7 (Chambers 53), Brett (English 86). Not used: Ross, Tilbury, Jackman.

Salford (4-4-2): Lynch 6; Nottingham 7, Grand 7, Horsfall 6, O'Halloran 6; Hine 7 (Haughton 81), Burton 5, Walker 6, HULME 7; Phenix 7 (Allen 67, 6), Poole 4. Subs not used: Howson, Norris, Johnston.

Attendance: 743.

Referee: Anthony Tankard 6/10.

Match rating: 3/5.

City/Salford

Shots on: 2/8.

Shots off: 8/6.

Corners: 4/5.

Offsides: 3/2.

Fouls: 9/12.

Yellow: City - Jordan Keane / Salford – Poole/Allen.

Reds: Salford – Poole (second yellow).