Karl Robinson was a furious figure following his post-match interview as Salford City slipped to another home defeat.
The Ammies fell to a Grimsby Town side led by teenage prospect Luca Harrington, with a header from former Barrow man Cole Stockton initially levelling the game before the on-loan Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder scored what would be the match-winner at the end of the first half. City piled pressure on as the full-time whistle beckoned, but could not find the back of the net to seal their third home defeat of the campaign.
Their 26 total shots far outnumbered just the six David Artell’s team had, but it was the visitors who were more clinical and resolute to hold on to three points. The result puts The Mariners out of the play-offs only on goal difference and are eight behind Bradford City, whilst Salford were leapfrogged by Harrogate Town and pushed down to 16th place.
After the game, Karl Robinson blasted the refereeing performance, believing his side were warranted a penalty when Kelly Nmai was brought down with minutes to go. He said (Quotes via The Mirror): “I would love to know how it could be that bad of a performance, it’s impossible.
“The penalty is an absolute disgrace. I can say our defending and finishing was a disgrace at times today as well, but that was only part of the story today.
“Some of the tackles as well, I’m surprised that some of my players aren’t in a worse place. I’d say the better team lost. At the end of the day they won, but I am absolutely fuming on external influences on the result.
“It sounds worse when you lose, but at the end of the day, that was not an acceptable performance from the officials today.
“Our defending for the two goals was appalling, though, and I’ve gone absolutely crazy at the players. We were the better team today and I don’t think anybody could argue that with the chances we created.”
Salford make the short trip to Crewe Alexandra next weekend, whilst Grimsby face Walsall at Blundell Park. A second straight win at Gresty Road could propel The Ammies up to 13th place should results go their way as League Two approaches the quarter-season mark.
Writer’s View
Even if Karl Robinson was aggrieved by the decision-making of the referee, it was a performance that isn’t too uncommon to see at home for Salford City. They always seem to have a fair few occasions every season where they fail to break down the away team’s defence when they go ahead and it was the same case today. In the final minutes, they frequently sent it long and the aerial ball was always dealt with by a defender rather than a City player to knock it down. Ultimately a few good saves from emergency keeper Jackson Smith and some wayward shooting condemned The Ammies to defeat.
There are some positives to take from a Salford perspective. They did control large parts of the game and did well at creating chances but converting them into goals has long been an issue. Kelly Nmai looked like his usual electric self, harrying his full-back for much of the contest. The pieces are there for this side to consistently deliver but the results keep eluding them. They will be up against it when facing a Crewe Alexandra side that has remained unbeaten in their last six home games next week.
Whilst it may have been Luca Harrington who got the headlines for his brace, it was The Mariners’ defence that secured the three points for David Artell. They superbly prevented any chances from being materialised and held their nerve to get a third away win on the bounce. If they can translate this form at Blundell Park more consistently, then the Gibraltan manager has a very solid side and can push themselves into the playoff conversation. It certainly is a far cry away from last season’s struggles for the North Lincolnshire club.
