Salford City head coach Karl Robinson has admitted he felt sick after seeing his side miss out on a place in the League Two play-offs with a final day draw against relegated Carlisle United
The Ammies headed into the final day in that all-important seventh spot following a 4-1 win over fellow play-off hopefuls Colchester United at the end of April. This meant that a win over a Carlisle team that will play in the National League next season would have seem them extend their season.
The Greater Manchester-based side were rocked early on though and found themselves two goals down in quick succession. Stephen Wearne gave the home side the lead in the 16th minute before Matthew Dennis doubled the advantage a minute later.
Cole Stockton breathed life back into the tie when he pulled a goal back before half time. Salford then drew level just after the hour mark through Hakeeb Adelakun, but they were unable to find a third. That, coupled with Chesterfield’s win over Accrington Stanley saw Robinson’s side condemned to another season in League Two.
Robinson Devastated At Failure
Following the game, Robinson admitted that it will take him a long time to get over the failure, especially as they held their fate in their own hands. Speaking to offcial club media, he said:
“Gutted. I don’t want to make excuses, but we got here 50 minutes before kick-off because of what happened on the motorway on the way here.
“Then losing Ossama Ashley [to injury] early on…
“I’ve never seen a team play that way, with that many at the top end of the pitch – you couldn’t get close to them [Carlisle] and you have to respect that.
“We changed and tactically we got things right, then you’re hoping history is going to repeat itself with that last-minute goal to make it 3-2.
“We pushed, and one thing you can certainly say is every one of us have put our heart and souls into the season.
“I don’t think any words I say now will resonate with anybody because of the pain we’re feeling. This is going to hurt me big time. I feel sick.”
Writer’s View
The final day in League Two lived up to the hype, but that won’t be any consolation to Salford. They will be left to rue missed opportunities, not only against Carlisle but in other recent fixtures which saw them drop points. Perhaps the most difficult to take was a home defeat against lowly Accrington Stanley last month. Robinson will now have to regroup and build a squad capable of getting over the line next season.
