McMahon post-Salford City (A)

First team coach Tony McMahon spoke to iFollow Iron after the team's 5-1 loss at Salford City.

He started by reflecting on the result, saying: "To concede five goals in any game is obviously disappointing, but it’s five goals where we’ve shown the lads how Salford score their goals. That’s how they play, they get the ball forward, they get runs from midfield, (Matthew) Lund runs into the box and (Brandon) Thomas-Asante is going to run in behind and we have to deal with it better." 

He then went on to speak about the team's performance, saying: “I thought there wasn’t a lot in the game in the first half. They scored from the first cross into the box, and then right on half time it was a free-kick where we showed them what they’re going to do, no-one makes any contact and the player just runs in and scores. I’m really disappointed, especially with the timing of it.

“At half time we change it and bring Sam Burns on. I thought it was a positive change to put two strikers on the pitch and I thought Sam looked lively when he came on, setting the goal up for Joe (Nuttall). I thought we were back in it at 2-1, and then the next three goals are really disappointing, especially when I thought we were going to have a go, and put them under pressure. After the third goal it was game over though really.” 

Tony continued to speak about the disappointing performance: “Like I say they took their chances and we didn’t today. We created one or two half chances but we conceded five poor goals from our point of view. It just can’t happen really.” 

Finally, McMahon had some words on the travelling fans: “They were brilliant from start to finish and even at the end I made sure the boys went all the way over, not just from afar. We have to go up and have to acknowledge what they’re doing. They’re supporting us and really sticking behind us.

“I’ve played in games where you lose heavily and you look around and it’s empty, but they stood there and supported the team and got right behind us even right at the end which is a massive credit to them."