Salford And The Spitfires Battle It Out For Wembley Place

We’re about to find out as Salford City and Eastleigh battle it out for a place in the Promotion Final.

The second half of the semi-final story is nearly ready to be told. But will this chapter bring another plot twist in a season which would be a best seller if it was available in paperback format.

Salford, the close season title favourites, are determined to see the season out at Wembley.

It would be the ideal venue for manager Graham Alexander to celebrate his one-year anniversary.

Ben Strevens, his Eastleigh counterpart, isn’t nowhere near that milestone yet.

He has only been in charge since November - in a job nobody saw coming up.

Andy Hessenthaler’s departure to Dover in late October left fans wondering if their could sustain their surprise play-off push. The Spitfires ultimately did it with a bit to spare.

Not only that, they won at Wrexham in Thursday’s Eliminator - overturning the odds at the Racecourse Ground to come away with a 1-0 victory after extra time.

Now the big question is have they got enough left in the tank to do it all again?

Salford were well-rested having taken a watching brief in midweek, but Eastleigh have fantastic memories of the Peninsular Stadium.

Winning 2-0 there in February, the man the Ammies must watch on Sunday stole the show.

Paul McCallum, enjoying his best ever season in front of goal, is sure to be a marked man.

Boss Strevens said: “It’s been a fantastic season, and one we don’t want to end.

“Not too many people expected us to reach the play-offs but we did and we have gone in with real confidence.

“Salford is going to be a very big challenge for us but one we’re ready for.”