Karl Robinson impressed by application on display from Salford players

Karl Robinson was delighted with the effort shown by his Salford players as they withstood late Accrington pressure to record a 2-1 League Two win.

Ben Woodburn and Luke Garbutt fired home in quick succession as the home side established a comfortable first-half lead, before Tyler Walton scored a penalty late on to set up an enthralling finish.

The Ammies held firm to earn their first home win of the campaign and Robinson praised their application in closing the game out.

He said: “I thought, after they scored their goal, we were very composed in how we went about seeing the game out. I loved both goals that gave us our lead. Ben Woodburn’s was a team move, and Garbutt’s was a wonderful strike.

“It was a good performance today, we played really well. In the second half we missed three gilt-edged chances and had a perfectly good goal ruled out from a corner.

“I think it’s the first time we’ve gone back-to-back in the league. So already this year, we’ve won on the road, we’ve won at home, won back-to-back wins in the league – you tick off these things. Now we can build on this strong start, moving forward.

“Some of the decisions by the referee today were mind-blowing. I thought Garbutt’s goal in the second half was perfectly fine, and then we were left seeing the game out with such a young bench.

“Now it’s about recovering, controlling our emotions and making sure that we get ready for the game on Tuesday night because we want to keep this momentum at the early part of the season.”

John Doolan was disappointed with his side’s first-half performance but saw positive signs after the break.

He said: “Goals change games, and you are always going to give yourself too much to do if you are 2-0 down after 26 minutes.

“I was disappointed with our final-third play, and the first half we conceded is a strike from distance after we completely vacated the midfield.

“From a tactical point of view, we had to be much better there. We conceded a free shot and a worldie free-kick.

“We needed to have more control of the game, but when Isaac (Sinclair) hit the post and (Kelsey) Mooney has had a header straight at the keeper. If these chances go in, then it’s a completely different game.

“We have to go and punish teams when we do create chances. In the second half, we started really well and, although I think they still had probably two of the better chances from mistakes, we dominated the half and had more chances. Today the lads should have scored goals, but they didn’t.”