Class Of 92 Put On A Show As Salford City Are Held

The last time these two sides had faced was three years ago and it is safe to say plenty has changed at Salford City since then, for a start being in the National League North and they went into this game knowing they could enjoy this match being top of the league, writes Tom Feaheny.

Before the match there was a real buzz of excitement but not just for the fans but also the players as well, it was revealed just how strong the Salford City line-up would be, with players putting their names forward to take part on the day.

The first of the Class of 92 to appear was Phil Neville who just before going into the dressing room was quick to ask about the victory against Tamworth to the management duo of Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson, while fans waited for autographs and photos, the players of both teams started to arrive.

The Salford City players were up against the likes of co-owners Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt along with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, who certainly got a reception as he was roundly booed by a section of the Salford City fans!

This game marked the official opening of the newly named Peninsula Stadium, with Sir Alex Ferguson in attendance as well, this was along with 4200 fans who were able to enjoy the game in the recently developed stands.

While last time the Class of 92 were beaten 5-1, they made a much better start this time around.

Danny Webber opened the scoring after just eight minutes and moments later the Class of 92 and friends were 2-0 up with Dwight Yorke getting onto the end of a Phil Neville cross.

Salford fought back with Anthony Dudley taking advantage of a mistake at the back by Carragher while Emmanuel Dieseruvwe made it 2-2 just a minute later, quickfire goals from Jack Redshaw and then two more from Webber who got his hat-trick made it 4-3 going into half-time.

While the second-half didn't have as much action as the first Salford made it 4-4 late on when Scott Burton got on the scoresheet, while obviously the result was not the big point of this match, those who attended certainly got their money's worth.

One of those playing on the day was Salford City defender Michael Nottingham who hailed the occasion a success.

"It was a really enjoyable experience all the lads wanted to be a part of it, to be playing so many famous faces and it was nice to be part of it all.

"The fans were fantastic, plenty turned up and really added to the occasion, I think a lot will now come down and see us in league action, so it was a really successful day."

After the match there were more opportunities for autographs to be signed and photos to be taken and plenty were as a cold Sunday afternoon visit to Salford was worth the visit for those who attended.

Photo by Charlotte Tattersall

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