Kelly Nmai scored the winning goal as Salford City began 2026 with a 2-1 win at Barrow.
The Ammies raced into an early lead after 11 minutes when Daniel Udoh fired a low shot past Barrow goalkeeper Wyll Stanway.
But the hosts drew level nine minutes later, Isaac Fletcher powered home a header from Ben Whitfield’s teasing centre.
Adebola Oluwo struck the crossbar with a header from a corner before Kallum Cesay had an effort saved as Salford responded to the setback well.
Udoh, buoyed by his third goal in four league games, forced Stanway into a routine save before he fired wide from inside the box as Salford went into halftime on the front foot.
Salford began the second period brightly and went close to retaking the lead before the hour mark when Jorge Grant rattled the crossbar with a free kick from outside the box.
Matthew Young got down sharply to save a low shot from Barrow defender Ben Jackson as Barrow grew into the contest, played in the blustery Cumbrian wind at Holker Street.
Scott Smith missed a golden opportunity to give the hosts a deserved lead after 67 minutes when, at full stretch, he hit the crossbar from Jackson’s cross.
Barrow midfielder Charlie McCann was denied by Young as The Bluebirds continued to threaten as the half progressed.
But, on an occasion when Salford stood up to significant pressure from the home side, N’mai finished off a lightning-fast break involving Grant and Udoh to restore The Ammies’ lead seven minutes from time.
Second-half substitute Fabio Borini squandered another swift Salford counter in the 96th minute when he failed to pick a pass with options charging forward to his right, but Robinson’s side held on to make a perfect start to the new year.
Ahead of the game against Barrow, Robinson urged his side to “make 2026 our year.”
His players responded to the rallying cry in perfect fashion. With their battling win 2-1 at Holker Street, Salford have pulled level on points with third-placed Walsall and are now in touching distance of the League Two automatic promotion places.
Starting the year with maximum points 😎
1-2 | #BRWSAL pic.twitter.com/1DwHVTOIvm
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) January 1, 2026
