KARL Robinson described his Salford City side's performance as 'under par' after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Colchester United at Moor Lane.

The Ammies looked like they were heading for victory after Matt Smith tapped in his 22nd goal of the season in the 45th minute but substitute Bradley Ihionvien's 75th-minute equaliser secured an away point for the U's.

Salford are currently missing a host of players due to injury including former Colchester pair Ossama Ashley and Luke Garbutt and boss Robinson admitted it played its part in their overall display.

READ MORE: Gazette player ratings after Colchester draw with Salford City

Robinson said: "When you look at how fragmented we were with the amount of players that we've had out, I can't be too disappointed.

"But I am disappointed to not win a game of football.

"The fact that there's so many elements of our game that could have been better and you've got to show a little bit of respect to the opposition, because they had some decent play as well.

"It's another point in the journey of what we're here to do for this year, knowing that when you are carrying that many injuries at this level, you are going to be a bit off it with your form.

Gazette:

"For me, it was an under-par performance with stupid, stupid actions but we found a way.

"The players are down in the dressing room because they know they've under-performed and missed another opportunity to get another three points.

"We're missing some big players and it was a real fight to put a team on that pitch that competed.

"I think they competed but I just don't think we saw the quality and fluidity that we've seen of a Salford City team and not something we want to expect, on a weekly basis."

READ MORE: Colchester United fans have their say on Salford City draw

Sixteen-year-old Kyrell Malcolm became the youngest player to start and play for Salford in League Two, last night.

Robinson said: "The culture that we want to breed is young boys from the area playing in our first team - it's the reason behind the football club being here.

"They also need to be good enough - is he ready 100 per cent? Probably not and we've got to make sure that we get better at all of these things.

Gazette:

"From my point of view, he will improve because of what's gone on, this season, the good and the bad but on top of that, I'm really proud of him.

"I think he took it really well - I think when you make your debut, you want to work off your instinct to think and with some of his early touches, he had to think.

"When he didn't have to think, he showed that the little man's got a gift."