Karl Robinson put it down to ‘one of those nights’ after his Salford side missed the chance to go second in Sky Bet League Two with a 1-0 loss at Accrington.
Accrington-born Alex Henderson scored the impressive winner in the fourth minute, firing home from the edge of the area, and despite the Ammies testing Stanley goalkeeper Ollie Wright, they could not find a way through.
Robinson said: “Only the result matters, no matter how well you play or how many chances you create.
“It was a wonder strike but, if you look at the XG, look at the chances created, the duels, we were the top in most aspects of the game.
“We missed three really good opportunities and you could sense it was going to be one of those nights, the longer the game went on.
“It wasn’t lack of effort, maybe a lack of quality in the final third. I don’t think they challenged our goal after their goal and we challenged quite a lot but you get those games and you have to dust yourselves down and go again.
“We did force errors and create opportunities but we didn’t take them. It doesn’t matter how many excuses I throw out there, we didn’t take our chances and we let them score a goal in the fourth minute that was our own undoing.
“We need positivity, we need to bounce back. That’s just two defeats in 13 in the league games, we are not doing too badly.
“We have brought in some good players in the window but they are young and we have to make sure that, even through difficult moments like tonight, we become better.”
John Doolan’s Stanley side moved into 12th place in the table with a third successive win.
He said: “It was always going to be a tough night with the elements and with Salford riding high, they are a good side.
“We knew the challenge but we had belief. Our mentality has changed, we have momentum. You can see the confidence.
“Alex has scored a worldie of a goal, in front of the home fans, live on Sky and I am so happy for him. It was an outstanding finish.
“Then we showed character and resilience to keep the ball out of the back of the net as a team and individuals, it was brilliant.
“We have defended resolutely and I am so happy with the performance and the three points.
“We are looking up now and we have to keep going and see where it takes us. We know what we have in the dressing room, the belief and togetherness, and they showed it in abundance tonight.”
