Salford ‘devastated’ by latest setback, says caretaker boss Simon Wiles

Salford caretaker manager Simon Wiles said his players were “devastated” by the manner of their 3-0 loss at Accrington.

Wiles has overseen successive 3-0 defeats since the sacking of Neil Wood five days ago and the Ammies are now 10 league games without a win.

City were 3-0 down by half-time, with Stanley taking the lead after 14 minutes through a Shaun Whalley volley.

It was two after 33 minutes when Luke Bolton fouled Joe Pritchard in the area and Jack Nolan blasted home the penalty.

Number three arrived after 41 minutes when Lewis Shipley’s cross found Nolan and he buried his finish at the second attempt.

Salford battled in the second half, with top-scorer Matt Smith denied twice by Stanley keeper Joe Walsh.

Wiles said: “We got the response we wanted in the second half, but Accrington had a three-goal lead so, even though there was a response, which was great, they were probably just trying to see it through.

“I am disappointed in the manner of the goals. The lads are devastated, it seems to be everything that can go against you when you are near the bottom of the table does.

“We have to try and take the positives from the second half but make sure we start like that against Forest Green.

“It’s down to us, there is only us in the dressing room who can turn a corner and we have to find a way to stick together and get it right.

“For me, I will prepare for Forest Green until I am told any different.

“I do believe I have seen a change, but it’s tough with the run we are on.”

Stanley are in ninth place in League Two and hope to mount a promotion charge after relegation last season.

Manager John Coleman said: “I am delighted with the win. It was a nice start to 2024, but there is a long way to go, a lot of games to play.

“We know we can play better. There are lots of different ways to win a football match, but today we had to dig in and do the ugly stuff in the second half and we did that quite well.

“The clean sheet was the most rewarding aspect, but I was delighted to get three in front.

“I didn’t feel like we had hit top gear, but the goals came at the right time and the saves came at the right time in the second half as they did get up a head of steam.

“We showed we can stand up and defend.

“They are young lads and we are proud of them, they are a joy to work with, they are honest and they look like they we can go places.”