Salford City manager Karl Robinson disclosed that matchwinner Kelly N’Mai had been a fitness doubt ahead of the trip to Barrow.
The attacker sealed The Ammies’ 2-1 victory in Cumbria after an Isaac Fletcher goal had cancelled out Daniel Udoh’s opener.
Robinson, who missed Salford’s 1-0 win against Harrogate Town on Boxing Day due to illness, explained that a virus had swept through his squad, making eight players unavailable for selection in the lead-up to the Barrow game.
After N’Mai’s 83rd-minute strike sealed a crucial win on the road, he joked that he had helped nurse his star attacker back to full fitness.
“I actually made him a honey and lemon on Friday night because I will do whatever it takes to keep him on the pitch,” he laughed.
“He has not been well for the last three games but he keeps doing the right thing.
Making defenders dizzy then unleashing a top strike 😵💫
Just @kellnmai10 things 🤩 pic.twitter.com/L6dOdA9TqC
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) January 2, 2026
“I can’t thank them all enough for what they keep doing. My options are incredibly limited, but every week they churn out results.”
Nearly two years have passed since Robinson was appointed as Salford’s head coach following the sacking of Neil Wood.
The Ammies sat 21st in League Two when Robinson took over. With victory at Barrow, Salford climbed to fourth in the league and are level on points with Walsall, who occupy the third automatic promotion spot.
Asked to reflect on the impact he has had during his time at the club so far, Robinson said it was “not for me to assess.”
“But I have sold the most amount of players in the club’s history, we are the highest the club has ever been.”
Salford City will aim to build on their strong start to 2026 with a win over Shrewsbury Town in their next League Two game on Sunday 4 January, 3pm Kick-off at the Peninsula Stadium.
