Salford City head coach Karl Robinson was overjoyed with the reaction to half-time changes as his side overcame a sluggish start to beat Tranmere 2-0.
The Ammies suffered their first defeat in eleven games against Chesterfield on Tuesday and were underwhelming in a goalless first half in Birkenhead.
Salford goalkeeper Matty Young was forced to make two fine saves from Dylan Jones and Cameron Norman as Tranmere went close to breaking the deadlock early on.
Kelly N’mai blazed over midway through the half before striker Ryan Graydon headed onto the roof of the net as Robinson’s side improved, but struggled to carve out a clear-cut chance before half-time.
But Salford emerged re-energised after the break and went ahead in the 68th minute when Grant rifled home from the edge of the box.
Striker Joe Ironside headed wide from a corner before Charlie Whitaker had a shot blocked as Tranmere went in search of an immediate response.
But N’mai doubled Salford’s lead after 75 minutes when livewire N’mai jinked his way through the Tranmere defence and finished low into the bottom corner.
The Dutch winger missed a chance to add a third when he powered an effort over the bar one minute from time, but Salford held off late Tranmere pressure to secure the three points.
Robinson’s men climbed to third in League Two with the win he and said Salford’s position was down to hard work off the pitch.
He said: “In the first half, we had control of the game, but I didn’t feel like we were asking a lot of questions of the opposition.
“I made a couple of changes at half-time, which is something I don’t usually like doing, but we have standards we have to stick to and it could have been one of many who came off.
“We played so well against Chesterfield on Tuesday and to think the way that game ended, we needed a better response than what we gave in the first half and in the second half, I think we looked more comfortable.
Unbelievable support today Ammies 🧡#TRNSAL pic.twitter.com/pcCVLbGEe3
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) January 31, 2026
“This football club believes in working hard, being disciplined, overcoming difficult moments and being resilient.
“The Football League is like a rollercoaster and there are so many things that are going to be asked of you.
“So if you keep responding in a positive way and keep working hard, then you get the correct outcome, and the players deserve all the credit in the world.”
