Salford City head coach Karl Robinson blasted his side’s inefficiency in front of goal after a regrettable result at home to Grimsby, before hailing the return of Kelly N’Mai.
A second defeat in as many games for the Ammies saw the visiting party vault them in the standings, as Robinson’s men slipped to fifth in the play-off battle.
An early finish by Evan Khouri, followed up by Grimsby’s Charles Vernam’s fizzing strike, condemned Salford to an uphill battle from the outset.
But Salford’s response lacked nothing but a clinical ending, and Robinson brazenly made clear this was the difference between the sides.
“I thought we were by far the better team – credit to Grimsby, I’ve got complete respect for them, they won the game, and we can’t argue over that, but I’ll tell you that our flippancy in the opposition’s penalty box was so far off it for me.
“I need a more ruthless finishing streak. If we look at the last two games, our finishing has been way off it.”
Kelly N’Mai’s return to action after being sidelined since early August was a ray of light for the Ammies, and his introduction on the 60-minute mark ensued a warm welcome back for the Dutch international.
But Robinson remains cautious around the protection of the winger: “I heard people screaming, ‘get him on, Kelly N’Mai.’ Listen, let us deal with Kelly N’Mai ourselves. He’s on a recovery protocol still, so the minutes had to be controlled.”
The 21-year-old produced some bright moments in his short spells with possession and continued to indicate signs of a golden future, but the Salford manager upholds the importance of small steps in his return to full-time action.
Despite the result, Karl Robinson remains positive, stating: “It’s not as if we’re even at full strength yet, and we’re fifth! There’s a lot more to come from this football club.
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