Mixed feelings for Ghanaian forward Brandon Thomas-Asante in Salford FC victory over Colchester United
Ghanaian forward Brandon Thomas-Asante scored and was sent off for Salford FC in their 2-0 win over Colchester United in the Football League Two match at the weekend.
Brandon Thomas-Asante’s header flew just over soon after and Salford did go in front in the 10th minute when Thomas-Asante pounced to score from close range after goalkeeper Shamal George had failed to hold Ash Hunter’s shot.
George pushed away Hunter’s low effort and another Thomas-Asante strike was deflected on to the bar before Salford deservedly doubled their lead in the 25th minute through Tom Elliott, who headed firmly in from Liam Shephard’s cross.
Salford saw the game out in the second half, despite Thomas-Asante being dismissed in the 88th minute after collecting a second booking.
Salford FC manager Gary Bowyer said: “I think it was richly deserved.
“We were outstanding in the first half and we hit the woodwork twice.
“We’ve come across another goalkeeper that’s man of the match for them and you do begin to wonder for a split second but then we scored two fabulous goals, to be perfectly honest.
“We scored a great third one from a corner where the referee gave a foul – I’ve just watched it again and it wasn’t a foul.
“Fortunately, that one didn’t come and bite us.
“I was really pleased with how they went about it in the first half and in the second half, we showed the resilience, character and determination to withstand some pressure from Colchester.
“They’ve got an experienced team and some good players so we knew that they would come at us but then we had a couple of great opportunities on the break where we really should have put the game to bed.”
Salford created chances at will in the first half, with Colchester second best in all areas.
It paved the way for the Ammies to secure their first away win of the season, in League Two.
“The first-half performance is up there with our best halves of football of the season so far,” said Bowyer.
“We have had performances where we’ve been as good as that but not been as clinical with our chances.
“If we’d have been a bit more clinical in certain games, then we’d have been better than what we have been.
“Our second goal was an excellent team goal and I’m delighted for Tom (Elliott).
“We’ve been chipping away at both of the strikers to get into the penalty box and to get within that second six-yard box and both goals have come from there.
“It was a great team goal and it’s something that the lads have been working on in training.
“We’re pleased to see them come out and do it on a Saturday.”
