Daniel Udoh header gives Salford narrow win over 10-man Oldham

Daniel Udoh’s first-half header earned Salford a hard-fought 1-0 win over 10-man Oldham.

Salford goalkeeper Matthew Young tipped Tom Pett’s fierce drive from the edge of the box over the bar and got down low to keep out Ryan Woods’ strike as the visitors began the game on the front foot.

After Kelly N’mai was fouled in the area, Kadeem Harris struck his penalty against a post, but the rebound fell kindly for Udoh to head home the opening goal from close range in the 14th minute.

Scott Quigley forced Young into a smart save with his feet as Oldham threatened to level in first-half stoppage time.

But the away side were reduced to 10 men when Will Sutton was sent off for a last-man trip on N’mai after 64 minutes.

Salford were nearly punished for failing to make the most of their numerical advantage when Young parried Kieron Morris’ strike into the path of Joe Garner, who blazed over the bar with the goal at his mercy.

Having signed for Salford on Friday, substitute Fabio Borini was then involved in a quick counter-attack that saw Udoh denied by keeper Mathew Hudson when clean through on goal.

That late miss did not prove costly, though, as Salford held on for the three points.