Andy Robinson played down the half-time tunnel bust-up

Andy Robinson revealed Carlisle's bully boy tactics actually inspired leaders Swansea City to take another step towards promotion at Brunton Park.

Playmaker Robinson was singled out for punishment by physical Carlisle in Tuesday's top-of-the-table stalemate.

But Robinson shone, hitting the woodwork three times, and now the Swans need one more win to secure promotion.

"There were a few naughty tackles but we thought if you want to kick us we'll turn the screw on you," said Robinson.

Interview: Andy Robinson

Robinson has a fiery reputation but the Swansea midfielder kept his cool in an intimidating, highly-charged atmosphere to guide the Roberto Martinez's men to an excellent point at Carlisle, who boast the best home record in The Football League.

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The 28-year-old was involved in a half-time tunnel bust-up with Carlisle players but Robinson played down the incident.

"It was a little bit of handbags," insisted Robinson.

"I gave him a big kiss and a cuddle and I said thanks for winding me up.

"It helped me in the second half because I came out raring to do well.

"I don't know if the treatment was intentional because I'd like to think I've lost that reputation.

"I admit there was a little bit of red mist on my part but I controlled it.

"You expect tackles in such a big game, a League One title-decider if you like, but there were a few naughty ones that were maybe just a little bit over-the-top.

"But we rode over that and we played some lovely stuff in the second half. How we didn't score I don't know but I thought we showed why we're the best team in the league."

Robinson impressed and hit the frame of the goal with two free-kicks before he hit the bar with a 75th minute cross-shot.

Darren Pratley also had a first-half goal disallowed at Brunton Park and Swans boss Martinez said: "We deserved more than a point.

"There's no question of how this squad will perform and it was pleasure to watch them playing their football and stamping their authority on a very difficult ground.

"Carlisle tried to create an intimidating atmosphere and the amount of bad challenges we had to suffer was disappointing.

"But we'll take it as a compliment when a team that is chasing you to top spot, feel they need to be that physical."

The Swans would secure promotion to the Championship and a return to the second tier of English football following a 24-year absence if they beat Gillingham at Priestfield on Saturday.