Karl Robinson sees red as his Salford side scramble a point against Forest Green

Posted Sunday, January 07, 2024 by PA

Karl Robinson marked his first game as Salford boss with a red card but his new side rescued a late point in a fiery 2-2 draw with fellow League Two strugglers Forest Green.

The new head coach lasted less than 15 minutes in his Moor Lane bow after being punished for delaying the restart of play by referee Charles Breakspear.

Salford led at the time through Matt Smith’s early goal but Rovers turned the game around before Ryan Watson’s stoppage-time penalty earned a point in a match both sides ended with 10 men.

The hosts took a fourth-minute lead through Matt Smith’s 15th league goal of the season.

However, with Robinson sent to the stands, Charlie McCann levelled for the visitors before the break.

Troy Deeney’s side grew in confidence after the interval and they were rewarded when Mathew Stevens notched a third goal in four games.

Rovers defender Ryan Inniss and Salford’s Adrian Mariappa were both shown late red cards after the latter earned the hosts a stoppage-time penalty.

Watson stepped up to convert the spot-kick, ending the Ammies’ four-match losing run and denying Deeney a first victory as Forest Green boss as their winless run stretched to 10 league games.