Langstaff Double Helps Salford See Off Dundee United

Salford City made the perfect start to their pre-season preparations with a 3-2 home victory over Scottish side Dundee United. The fixture had all the hallmarks of a competitive friendly, with both teams keen to build fitness and momentum ahead of the new campaign. There was a good crowd in attendance who were treated to an entertaining afternoon of attacking football.

Matt Langstaff got Salford off to a flying start with a tenth-minute opener that set the tone early. The hosts dominated large stretches of the first half and doubled their advantage through Ade Oluwo just before the interval, giving them a commanding position at the break. Dundee United offered little resistance in those early stages and faced an uphill battle going into the second period.

The visitors emerged with renewed purpose after the break and pulled one back through Iolo Metsoko in the 65th minute, giving themselves a lifeline. That goal sparked some momentum for the away side, and when James Forrest levelled the match in the 89th minute, suddenly everything hung in the balance. For a moment it looked as though Dundee United might snatch something from the game, but Salford had other ideas. Jacob Austerfield settled matters in the 84th minute with the decisive third goal, securing a 3-2 victory.

The win will provide Salford with valuable confidence as they prepare for the season ahead. Both teams will take positives from the run-out, though Salford's ability to respond when Dundee United mounted their comeback will please the home coaching staff. Friendlies like this are exactly what teams need at this stage of pre-season, and both sides got the match practice they required.