Salford defeated Stockport 1-0 in the first leg of the League Two play-off semifinal at the Peninsula Stadium, but manager Neil Wood is aware that his squad "still has a job to do."
Matt Smith, an experienced striker, scored the game-winning goal in the first half to give the Ammies a slim lead going into next Saturday's rematch at Edgeley Park.
"I guess I'm pleased with a 1-0," Wood said, "even though it could and should have been more."It may be a little disappointing that we didn't take advantage of our other two or three excellent opportunities.
Although I was happy with how we performed tonight, the task ahead of us next weekend won't be simple.We're looking forward to it, and the guys won't be intimidated by performing in front of a large audience there.
We still have work to do, but this team is becoming better all the time, so we won't be afraid to go to Stockport.
Smith, a former Millwall, Leeds, and Fulham striker whose savage goal was his 12th of the year, was then praised by Wood.
"He's got that big-match experience," Wood continued.
"In such kinds of circumstances, you unquestionably see the best in him.
The cross was a really nice delivery, and once it reached Smudge, I had every confidence he would take advantage of the opportunity.
Salford dominated the first 45 minutes of play at the Peninsula Stadium, but Stockport limited them to a solitary lead before halftime.
After 16 minutes, Smith scored the game-winning goal by heading Elliot Watt's outswinging cross home.
Although the visitors made a slight comeback after the break, they were unable to produce any clear-cut opportunities, and Salford easily maintained their slim lead.
For Stockport, this was their first defeat since February, but manager Dave Challinor is upbeat about the upcoming second leg.
We'll approach the second leg in the same aggressive manner as we have the entire season, he remarked.We have been quite consistent the entire time, and when necessary, we have worked hard to provide some significant results.
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