Salford City assistant coach Alex Bruce joked that he had a stressful time deputising for the unwell Karl Robinson as his side battled to a 1-0 win over Harrogate Town.
Striker Daniel Udoh scored the only goal from the penalty spot as Salford climbed to fifth in a congested League Two.
Kelly N’mai fired wide before Brandon Cooper forced Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw into a routine save as The Ammies began the game brightly.
But Harrogate, without a league win since September, were content to soak up Salford pressure and went close to taking a lead into half-time as Tom Cursons struck Tamely at Matty Young.
Jorge Grant rifled an effort over the bar from distance before N’mai tested the reflexes of Belshaw as Salford continued to probe in the second half.
But Harrogate continued to carry a threat and gave the hosts a scare when Ben Fox’s shot cannoned off the woodwork.
Salford remained patient in possession and eventually broke Harrogate’s resistance when Udoh was fouled in the box and stepped up to score a 75th-minute penalty.
Two fine saves from Belshaw prevented Cesay and Udoh from adding the gloss to Salford’s victory.
A happy Boxing Day at home 😁
Thank you for the support today, Ammies, see you back at The Peninsula Stadium on Monday 🏟️#SALHRG pic.twitter.com/tyoXBaAWl7
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) December 26, 2025
After the match, stand-in coach Bruce said he was content with Salford’s win but admitted “it certaintly was not pretty.”
He said: “I’ve just said to the lads, sometimes over the course of a season, when things are against you, like a few illnesses and injuries and the pitch not being at its best, there were a lot of circumstances today which could be a potential banana skin.
“And they found a way of winning, which they’ve done in recent weeks and over the course of the season.
“I’d heard we’d been labelled the entertainers in the last few weeks with some of the goals that we’re scoring, but I don’t think we’re the entertainers today.
“If I’m being brutally honest, it wasn’t one for the supporters in terms of a spectacle, but the lads dug in, defended well and kept a clean sheet, which I’m pleased with.“I think we shaded it. I’m just pleased we’ve got the three points.
“I spoke to Karl a couple of times but he must be struggling because he didn’t ring me as much as I thought. I was expecting 60 or 70 calls during that game, I only had five or six.
“I’ve got a few more grey hairs now but I enjoyed it.”
