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Salford City bounced back with a 2-1 win at Grimsby in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.
Reece Staunton scored a stunning opener for the Mariners after just 26 seconds, but Salford turned it around. Calum Sesay equalized minutes later, while Adebola Olu also nodded in just before the break.
It means Karl Robinson’s Salford – who missed out on the chance to seal automatic promotion on the final day – take advantage of their home second leg at the Peninsula Stadium on Friday night.
It was an electric start as Grimsby took just 26 seconds to find the lead. A goal in just 26 seconds. A ball into the box was only half-cleared to Staunton on the edge and he lifted a superb volley into the top corner.
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Grimsby made a suffocating start to their play-off semi-final against Salford as Reece Staunton volleyed home a long-range strike less than thirty seconds later.
The benefits were short-lived. Salford equalized three minutes later as a long ball was worked into Sesay, who calmly finished into the bottom corner.
And they completed the turnaround before the break when Olu also headed home from a corner. However, there was an element of controversy as Grimsby goalkeeper Jackson Smith appeared to have his vision obstructed by a Salford player in an offside position.
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Salford wasted little time in equalizing after just three minutes when Grimsby took the lead when Calum Sey bundled the ball in.
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Salford battled back from a goal down to take the lead at Blundell Park after Adebola Oluwo headed home from a corner.
Olive is also immeasurable at the back of Salford
Sky Sports EFL Editor Simeon is a slave:
It’s easy to forget that this is Oluwo’s first season in the EFL.
The 26-year-old centre-back had a nomadic adventure through non-league before being picked up by Salford City last summer, and was at university a few years ago, not even thinking about a professional career in football.
But he showed how worthy he is of being at this level, at the very least, with an improbable display.
He scored the crucial goal that put Salford ahead in the tie at the end of the first half, but at the back he was immeasurable on the ground and in the air, barely kicking a Grimsby forward.
Robinson: I almost applauded their goal… but we responded brilliantly
Salford Boss Carl Robinson on Sky Sports:
“I almost applauded their goal, what a strike it was. But the way our players responded was fantastic because the atmosphere was electric.
“To get the goals we did and then show great work in defense and our structure. There was a level of control in our performance and then in our celebrations.
“We have huge respect for Grimsby and it was a tough game.”
