Salford City reached the Emirates FA Cup third round for a second year in a row with a sensational 4-0 victory against League One Leyton Orient in a Friday night upset.
An unfortunate own goal from Orient keeper Killian Cahill helped League Two Salford to a 1-0 half-time lead, before Kallum Cesay’s excellent finish mid-way through the second half doubled their advantage.
Former Liverpool and Sunderland striker Fabio Borini then came off the bench to score his first goal for the club at the end of a counter-attack, before Kelly N'Mai added further gloss to the scoreline in added time.
Borini could face one of his old sides in the third round, with the draw to be made on Monday, and Salford are no strangers to a glamour tie. They and Orient are united by the fact they were both beaten by Manchester City in last season’s competition.
“Last year we had Man City and got pumped, so hopefully something easier this time” 🤣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 5, 2025
Kelly N’Mai and Kallum Cesay look ahead to the third round after a memorable @EmiratesFACup win 👏
🎙️@LiamMacdevitt | @tntsports&@discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/CXBW6heGg4
Salford played like a team desperate to sample third round action for just the second time in their history as they took the game to Orient.
The Ammies settled quickly and had the better of a lively first 20 minutes, capped by a first shot on goal from captain Luke Garbutt, who forced Cahill into a sharp save with a fizzing effort from outside the box.
However, Cahill was unable to prevent a Salford goal two minutes later. After a sweeping pass to the left, Kadeem Harris drove into the penalty area and attempted to hit a low cross. But a small deflection sent the ball goalwards and it ended in the back of the net via a second, decisive deflection off Cahill.
Orient were slow to get going but on the half-hour mark they created their first chance, as Aaron Connolly cut inside the Salford defence and saw his effort well blocked.
Salford should have scored a second goal five minutes before half time, as Cahill spilled a Jorge Grant free-kick at the feet of Daniel Udoh but he hit the post from six yards out.
Orient were much improved at the beginning of the second half, moving the ball confidently and testing the Salford defence in search of an equaliser.
However, Salford took a huge step towards the third round on the hour-mark through a brilliant strike from Cesay. A deep cross to the back post found the striker, who played a one-two with Haji Mnoga and then ripped a low curling shot into the far corner. Replays suggested N'Mai might have had the final touch but Salford’s fans did not care.
Salford double their lead in style 📈
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 5, 2025
Kallum Cesay keeps his cool in the box and slots home beautifully 🔥
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Their team should have put the game to bed 20 minutes from time, as Udoh and Casey combined to find Josh Austerfield on the edge of the box but he lifted it over the bar.
Orient, who reached the fourth round last season, refused to give up and almost halved the deficit when Tyreeq Bakinson’s long-range effort was deflected narrowly past the post.
But Borini, who recently joined the club on a deal until January after leaving Italian giants Sampdoria in the summer, was soon introduced and it did not take long for him to score.
Former Liverpool and AC Milan striker, Fabio Borini, scores his first goal for Salford ⚽
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 5, 2025
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Cesay won the ball back on the half-way line and powered forward, and after Grant’s effort was blocked, the Italian found the net at the second attempt. N’Mai ran clear and calmly slotted home a fourth shortly after to complete a famous win.
