Karl Robinson called on his Salford City players to “make 2026 our year” after they battled to a goalless draw against Fleetwood Town.
Robinson, who returned to the dugout after being too unwell to attend Salford’s 1-0 win against Harrogate Town on Boxing Day, said the defensive display was a reason for optimism as the side bid for promotion in the new year.
The Ammies were resolute throughout a tight, cagey first-half and went closest to taking the lead when Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch kept out Adebola Oluwo’s 18th-minute header.
Tenacious defending limited the visitors to half-chances in a second period controlled by Robinson’s men.
Salford shot-stopper Matty Young was twice called into action to comfortably save a Jordan Davies header and a shot from Zech Medley.
The Ammies came inches from breaking the deadlock after 65 minutes when Luke Garbutt rattled the crossbar with a fiercely struck free-kick before Fabio Bornini headed straight at Lynch from close range.
Dan Udoh missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring after 78 minutes when he headed over the crossbar from inside the six-yard box, but Salford could not find a breakthrough.
After the match, Robinson said he was delighted with the way his side limited Fleetwood’s chances and predicted a happy 2026 for Ammies fans.
He said: “I thought we looked very composed and, in the second half, we were trying to do the right things. Fabio Borini had the best chance to win the game.
“We’re conceding less, which is important. I’m really pleased because we’ve got a lot more to come moving forward.
Robinson explained that the outbreak of sickness within the camp had restricted his team selection.
“About eight of our squad have been wiped out by this virus going through the club. It gives somebody else a chance and that person never, ever lets me down.
“I’m so proud that, every time they put that Salford shirt on, no one can ever say they don’t put everything into it. I think that’s certainly a given right now and we can only go in one direction,” he highlighted.
From the moment he was appointed as Salford City head coach in January 2024, Robinson has been bullish about achieving promotion from League Two with the club.
Throughout the season, he has acknowledged the squad is the strongest he has had during his time at the Peninsula and The Ammies currently sit fifth, three points off the automatic promotion places.
Signing off with one final message for Salford fans ahead of the new year, he said: “Let’s make 2026 our year. Let’s make the fans’ year because they deserve it. The members deserve it, the players certainly deserve it, but we have to work hard to achieve this goal.
Thank you for the support tonight, Ammies 👏
Your support throughout 2025 has been unbelievable, let’s have more of the same next year 👊 #SALFLE pic.twitter.com/oceoOSqj6A
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) December 29, 2025
