Karl Robinson delighted with Salford response to facing higher-level opposition

Karl Robinson was delighted to keep Salford’s FA Cup dream going as they beat League One Lincoln 4-2 on penalties after equalising late on in a 1-1 draw in the first round.

Salford striker Kelly N’Mai struck in the third minute of added time to cancel out Erik Ring’s 26th-minute opener.

Lincoln captain Tendayi Darikwa was shown two yellow cards in six extra-time minutes as the visitors ended the contest with 10 men.

And after Tom Bayliss rattled the crossbar from the spot and Connor McGrandles’ penalty was saved by Mark Howard, Daniel Udoh stepped up to book Salford’s place in the second round.

Robinson said: “It was a really pleasing performance and a fantastic win that means we are still in the magical FA Cup.

“Lincoln are one of the strongest teams in the league above and this was one of the toughest draws we could have had.

“We have built a team to compete in the division above and today we showed that we are not far off a League One team.

“I don’t think I have been as happy as this in a long time in football. When you are playing league games, you are so exhausted because of the pressure you are under to win. In the FA Cup, you can enjoy the wins a little bit differently.”

Lincoln boss Michael Skubala was extremely disappointed with his side’s performance and conceded that they did not deserve to progress.

He said: “We should not have let the game get to extra-time, never mind penalties.

“We were too slow and did not play with enough intensity. We were not at it for long periods of the match.

“No one is happy to be out of the FA Cup, but we did nowhere near enough to win the game.”