Man United Class of 92 side Salford continue FA Cup fairytale

Salford City, owned by members of Manchester United's famous Class of 92, caused a memorable FA Cup upset as the non-league club defeated Notts County 2-0 in the first round on Friday.

United legends Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, who all won the FA Cup in their illustrious Old Trafford playing careers, have helped revive the fortunes of the Northern Premier League side since buying them last year.

And Butt, Gary Neville and Scholes watched on from a grass bank at the far side of the tiny Moor Lane ground as goals from Danny Webber and Richie Allen stunned fourth tier Notts in Salford’s maiden first round appearance.

Notts sit three leagues above their part-time opposition in the English league pyramid, but Salford, jointly managed by Bernard Morley and Anthony Johnson, made a mockery of that gap in front of a capacity crowd of 1,400 as they booked their place in the second round of the FA Cup for the first time.

“I just thought it was a bonus being here, but I thought we were the better team, unbelievable effort. It was brilliant, absolutely amazing that tonight,” Gary Neville told the BBC.

“They (County) didn’t play well, but that wasn’t easy for any club tonight, our lads were unbelievable.”

Butt added: “It’s amazing, this is just fantastic for the lads. I thought they were the better team on the day and they took their chances and got their reward.”

Barely 20 seconds into the second half, former United forward Webber sparked jubilant scenes when he bundled home James Poole’s cross.

Andy Dawson’s goal-line clearance kept Salford in the lead and relief then turned to joy as Allen’s outstanding goal sealed Salford’s progress in the 73rd minute.

Allen, who had only been on the pitch three minutes, beat three defenders with a neat turn on the left flank and played a one-two inside the box before slotting the ball past former United goalkeeper Roy Carroll from 12 yards.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE