Salford City manager Neil Wood felt his side struggled in front of net after their 2-1 defeat to Swindon Town.

The Ammies started brightly after Ryan Watson scored within four minutes, but Swindon equalised soon after and took the lead early in the second half.

Salford were pushing for an equaliser throughout the second half but couldn’t crack the Wiltshire side’s defence.

Despite the final score, Wood felt that City were still on top in the match.

“We were the better team for a large part of the game. If you look at the stats they had one shot on target and we lose the game 2-1, which is incredible.

“I think we have to be more clinical. We had a chance at 1-1 to go ahead. We had 12 shots, we have to be better at finishing.

“It’s a hard result to take and a frustrating one too.”

Salford’s bad day at the office was best represented by Matt Smith hitting the bar with only the keeper to beat in 36th minute.

“We had a great chance to go ahead again, we don’t take that. We leave teams in the game which is the problem.

“We’re getting caught and getting punished for the one mistake we make.”

Wood also said that Jacob Wakeling’s equaliser for the Robins was a fluke.

“I don’t think he means it, the way the cross comes in. He tries to flick it back into the box and it’s gone in the far post.

“It’s an unbelievable finish if he means it but I don’t think he does.”

Stevie Mallan played his competitive debut for Salford in the 2-1 loss to Swindon. Credit: Salford City Youtube Channel

Despite the defeat, a positive moment came from the introduction of Stephen Mallan for his debut.

Mallan, who signed for Salford in the summer, has been out for seven months with injuries.

Wood said: “He’s been training for about a week and he’s been training well.

“He’s had no setbacks to the injury he had so we wanted to get him involved as soon as possible.”

Salford’s next game is away to play-off rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday, which could see the Ammies leapfrog them if they win by two goals or more.

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