Karl Robinson ‘infuriated’ by Salford’s failure to close out victory

Posted Sunday, November 17, 2024 by PA

Salford manager Karl Robinson was incensed after his side dropped points from a promising position for the second successive week with the 1-1 draw at Doncaster.

Kylian Kouassi scored early in the second half to give Salford the lead, only for substitute Billy Sharp to net the equaliser with Doncaster’s only shot on target.

After the Ammies conceded late to lose to Carlisle last weekend, Robinson was frustrated to see them again lose points having had a grip on the game.

“It just infuriates me after the performance last week,” Robinson said. “After a very convincing home performance last week, they should quite frankly have got us the three points here.

“If we’d have taken four points from these two games we’d have been justifiably sat here ecstatic.

“Other than our line being caught out once and Billy Sharp being in the right place as he always seems to be against us, I thought our performance was very controlled and we dominated certain aspects of it.

“It was a really good performance and we’re now six points from the play-offs – and that’s the first time I’ve talked about the play-offs this season.

“My frustration with the players is that I expect more from them. Last week angered me more after today.

“It was a strong, committed away performance, but our Achilles heel is not putting our foot down and getting a second goal.”

Grant McCann told his Doncaster players they need to develop a ruthless streak.

“The one bit of quality and calmness we showed was a great run from Joe Sbarra, a calm ball across to Billy Sharp and a calm finish,” McCann said.

“There are too many times when we get to that top end of the pitch that it just seems to be rushed. We do things too quickly where we can take an extra touch.

“With the opportunities that we had, we just have to be better. The players know that and understand that, but we certainly have to be better when we get to the top end of the pitch because it’s not acceptable to hit your cross into somebody or get your shot blocked.

“You have to work your feet and move people to score goals, just like Joe and Billy did for our goal.

“It was clear to see and I’ve said it for a few weeks now, particularly at home, that we’re just not clinical enough at the top end of the pitch. It’s just not good enough for us.”