FA Cup: Guehi scores as Man City see off Salford to reach fifth round

Marc Guehi scored his first goal for Manchester City to seal a 2-0 victory over League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round.

Pep Guardiola’s men took an early lead at the Etihad Stadium when Alfie Dorrington turned the ball into his own net inside six minutes. However, City struggled to build momentum against their fourth-tier opponents.

The tie remained delicately poised until the 81st minute, when Guehi struck to secure progression. The defender, signed from Crystal Palace in January, converted after goalkeeper Matthew Young parried a cross into his path.

City, seven-time FA Cup winners who scored 10 goals against Exeter City in the third round, were largely flat despite their early breakthrough. They also lost defender Max Alleyne to injury in the 22nd minute.

Salford, beaten 8-0 by City in last season’s third round, regrouped well and created several chances. Ben Woodburn forced a sharp save from James Trafford, while Brandon Cooper headed wide just before half-time. After the interval, Kelly N’Mai fired straight at Trafford as the visitors continued to threaten.

“They defended really well, so tight, and we didn’t attack the spaces the way we should. The game was flat until we scored the second goal,” Guardiola said.

“It has been a really tough three weeks with a lot of games, and it’s demanding.”

Salford, owned by Manchester United legends Gary Neville and David Beckham, were playing in the FA Cup fourth round for the first time in their history.