In an exciting League Two play-off semi-final, Salford City narrowly defeated Grimsby Town 2-1 in the first leg. This match follows two regular season losses against Grimsby, who previously achieved a rare feat by winning both legs of an EFL play-off semi-final tie against a team that had beaten them in the regular season.
Recent Performance of Salford City
Salford City has had a strong finish to the regular season. They remained unbeaten in six of their last seven home matches, securing six victories and a single draw. Their latest match saw them triumph over league champions Bromley with a 2-0 scoreline. Notably, Salford City excelled defensively, achieving the most clean sheets at home in League Two, totaling ten.
Grimsby Town’s Away Strength
Grimsby Town has a robust away record against Salford City. They remain unbeaten in their last five encounters at Salford, winning three and drawing two since a loss in September 2019. In the 2025-26 regular season, they were not only prolific in away matches, scoring 33 goals, but also secured the most away victories in the league, winning seven out of twelve games.
Play-Off History
- Salford City’s only previous home EFL play-off match was against Stockport County in 2022-23, which they won 1-0 in the first leg but lost overall.
- Grimsby Town has never been eliminated at the semi-final stage of the EFL play-offs, reaching finals in 1998 and 2006.
Key Players to Watch
- Reece Staunton of Grimsby Town made headlines by scoring the third-fastest goal in League Two this season, netting just 24 seconds into the match.
- Over the last six appearances, Staunton has contributed significantly with one goal and four assists.
- Luke Garbutt from Salford City has been a top playmaker, recording three assists in his last four League Two appearances, leading the team with a total of 15 assists over the last three seasons.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming leg promises to be thrilling as both teams aim for a place in the finals. With Salford looking to overcome their past playoff disappointments and Grimsby seeking to maintain their impressive playoff record, fans can expect an intense battle.
