Salford extended their lead at the top of League Two with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over bottom-placed Crawley on Saturday, marking their fifth consecutive league win. Macaulay Langstaff scored two goals for Salford, while Crawley’s Dylan Morgan netted a late consolation.

The match, played at Salford’s home ground, saw the hosts take control early on. Langstaff put Salford ahead in the 17th minute, finishing a well-executed move involving Kallum Cesay and Luke Molyneux with a close-range volley. The League Two leaders continued to press but were unable to increase their lead in the first half, despite several promising chances.

Shortly after the break, Salford doubled their advantage when Cesay set up Langstaff to curl a low shot into the bottom corner in the 50th minute. Crawley responded quickly, however, and nine minutes later Dylan Morgan reduced the deficit with a precise finish from the edge of the box that beat Salford goalkeeper Will Norris.

Crawley maintained pressure as they sought an equalizer, but Salford’s defence remained resilient. Langstaff was denied a hat-trick late in the game when Crawley goalkeeper Vito Mannone made a diving save from a fierce shot. Salford held on to secure all three points.

Salford manager Peter Cklamovski praised his players’ effort and discipline but acknowledged there is room for improvement. “I am proud of the players and their performance and it’s important we continue to stick to our process, recover well and keep sharpening our blade to be a better team,” he said. Cklamovski noted Crawley’s spirited response demonstrated the work still to be done, adding that the first half was particularly strong with no shots allowed on target.

On the other side, Crawley manager Colin Kazim-Richards expressed frustration over missed chances and felt his side’s slow start ultimately cost them valuable points. “You can’t pin them back that long and not capitalise,” he said. Kazim-Richards criticized the team’s lack of forward impetus in the opening period, describing possession as too cautious and lacking the attacking intent they trained for. He recognized improvements in the second half but lamented the early deficit that proved decisive.

With the result, Salford maintain their position at the summit of League Two, while Crawley remain at the foot of the table as they continue to search for their first points of the season.