Karl Robinson wants big push from Salford in bid for play-off spot

Karl Robinson has vowed to move heaven and earth to get Salford into the League Two play-offs after a 2-2 draw at Swindon.

The hosts twice led through goals from Tom Nichols and Harry Smith, but levellers by Hakeeb Adelakun and Kelly N’mai ended the Ammies’ three-match losing run.

City are six points off the top seven with a game in hand and Robinson is ramping up his demands on his team.

He said: “I will do whatever it takes for football to be successful. So will all my players. We will make mistakes, honest mistakes, transparent mistakes, and not through stupidity, just through trying too much sometimes.

“But I work around the clock to give everything I’ve got. I’ve just had a go at the staff in there to give more.

“I want players to give more, and me to give more if we possibly can with 11 or 12 games to go.

“We’ve finally moved off a points tally that we’ve been stuck on for about three weeks that has frustrated the life out of me.”

Now Robinson cannot wait for Saturday’s clash with Crewe.

He added: “We’re in it. We hopefully can get our injured players back for this run-in and it will be a very, very good team.”

Town began brightly when Kabongo Tshimanga fired at goalkeeper Jamie Jones, who kept out Miguel Freckleton’s effort from the rebound.

Seven minutes in Nicholls expertly tucked away his first Robins goal from Will Wright’s corner.

But Adelakun equalised by lashing in a loose ball in the 27th minute.

He then jinked past several players and squared to former Town player Rosaire Longelo who somehow missed from one yard out.

After the break Smith put Town ahead in the 71st minute when he trapped Paul Glatzel’s mishit shot and then fired into the roof of the net.

Seconds later Ammies substitute Tyrese Fornah caught Swindon napping and fired onto the post with N’mai gobbling up the rebound.

Francis Okoronkwo broke free but smashed straight at Connor Ripley.

Glatzel worked some space in the box but dragged his shot horribly wide before Gavin Kilkenny drew a save with a cute floated effort but Town could not find a winner.

Boss Ian Holloway vowed he would not give up on Swindon’s play-off dreams, with the Robins 10 points off the pace.

He said: “As long as we’re still breathing and as long as there’s points to play for, I fancy our chances, and what I’ve said to them today, that’s a big, big point.

“If we’d have lost that game I might have probably said that it’s all over, but we played so well.

“We caused them so many problems. I think we’re still in a race to that line. And if you know anything about me, I love a race.”