Match preview Salford v Hull KR

After a mixed week news wise with the Salary Cap decision not going our way but Justin Carney signing a long term deal it's time to turn our attention to Hull KR this Saturday

Key Battles

Albert Kelly for Hull Kr is viewed by many to be their dangerman. Always a thorn in Salfords side we will need to monitor him closely to stop him getting on top.

Rob Lui has been showing glimpses of the form he delighted the Salford faithful with before his injury, a important cog in the Salford engine will be looking for a 5 star display on Saturday.

Greham Horne is a vastly experienced utility player, can play both in the pack and the backs

Salford will need to keep an eye on him on Saturday.

Josh Jones Salfords Mr Versatility has had a great season so far. He has found himself in a number of roles both in the forwards and the back division and stared in both.

Here the 19 man squad for both teams

Match report Catalan Dragons 42 Salford 32

Salford suffer defeat in France in a see saw battle, Paul Whiteside takes you though all the action.

Salford travelled to Perpignan to face Catalan and points were on the menu after last seasons 40-40 draw.  Salford hit the ground running scoring on their first set of six after Michael Dobsons high kick was pouched by Josh Griffin and he fed Niall Evalds who finished well in the corner. Gareth o Brien missed the goal 0-4.

On the next set Josh Jones comes up with a knock on as salford try to work the ball out of there own half. The enterprising Dragons seize the oppertunity and score in the corner through ex Salford favourite Jodie Broughton. Pat Richards misses the conversion 4-4. from the kick off salford kick out on the full and catalan have a penalty on the half way line. the dragons ill discipline starts to let them down and Salford start to build pressure.

Quick hands from Junior Sau and o Brien sends Justin Carney over. Michael Dobson hits the post from the kick so salford lead 4-8. The Red Devils move up a gear and the Dragons are forced to drop out. a dangerous tackle from glenn stewart on Logan Tomkins and Salford kick the penalty from oBriens boot 4-10.

With 20 minutes on the clock  Krisnan Inu busts salford down the middle, Morgan Escare in support races to the line. Richards adds the conversion and its all square 10-10. salford though are not disheartened and soon have the dragons back peddling. Lovely foot work from Craig Kopzack finds Robert Lui whos smart off load sends Junior Sau in for another salford try. Dobson drags the kick wide and its 10-14.

Then comes a cruical point in the match Salford attacking the dragons line 10 yards out Dobsons pass dosent make it to Evalds who was certain to score instead it finds Jodie Broughton who intercepts and hares away down the pitch. Junior Sau incredibly tracks back but from the next play the Dragons move the ball across the pitch and Vincent Duport goes in to level the scores again. Pat Richards kicks the goal off the touch line 16-14. thats how its stays till the break.

Catalan kick off the second half trying to catch the red devils out, Junior Sau out jumps the catalan player and seems to be in the clear but he loses the ball. From the next play Ritche Myler goes over only to see his try ruled out by the video referee after Justin Carney was obstructed.
Salford keep battling and force a drop out. Josh Wood scoots from dummy half finding Robert Lui and its lovely quick hands to Niall Evalds then o Brien sends Junior Sau over for a marvellous salford try! michael dobson again cant convert but salford lead 16-20.

Robert lui knocks on from the kick off and the Dragons are on the hunt for more points. Catalan breach the salford line from the scrum as Myler goes over . Richards kicks the goal to edge the dragons ahead 22-20.
The next set the Dragons hit salford again as Todd Carney sends flying winger Jodie Broughton over again in the corner. Richards cant convert and its  26-20.
Salford are on the ropes and big David Taylor goes trundling through with Richie Myler backing up to score under the sticks. richards adds the goal 32-20.

Weller Hauraki is pulled for a forward pass, Robert Lui disagrees and is penalised for back chatting! with 60 minutes on the clock Pat Richards wisely kicks the two points 34-20. salford refuse to give in and begin to fight back galliantly.

A sweeping Salford move across the pitch sees Junior Sau go over for a well deserved hat trick try. Michael Dobson kicks the goal 34-26. Justin Carney and David Taylor have a few words and Salford some how get the penalty much to the disgust of the partisan Dragons crowd. Hauraki finds Evalds with a fine pass and he finishs well. Gareth o Brien kicks off the touch line and salford are two points behind 34-32 with 12 minutes to play.

Both teams nervously exchange sets. Salford crack as Justin Carney knocks on. Catalan are on the attack and score through Pat Richards to finally break a dogged salford side who just wouldnt go away. Thomas Bosc slots the goal over 40-32. the dragons force the drop out and salford fail to kick it ten meters! with 2 minutes remaining Pat Richards kicks the penalty to put the game to bed 42-32.

Amassive effort from Salford today scoring some fantastic tries. a few individual errors and poor defending let us down! Catalan however are a very good side so it was no disgrace and The Red Devils can take a lot of heart from this game into next saturdays crucial home game against Hull KR!.

Big match preview Catalan V Salford Red Devils

Salford travel to the south of France on Saturday to face Catalan Dragons Dan Robinson takes you though all the stars and the stats from the game.

Glean Stewart is experienced back rower with great skills and strong defence. He  made more than 200 NRL appearances and is key player in that Catalan pack. Salford will need to be a well drilled side to stop Stewart providing a action packed full 80 minutes.

Ben Murdoch Masila has been in great form for Salford, the powerful forward to be looking to win the physical battle in the middle to get Salford on the front foot.

The Battle of the front rows will be explosive. Craig Kopzak has been a inspiration since he signed for Salford with a 100% effort and commitment in every game he has played.

Dave Taylor is a experienced Australian who will be looking to get the Catalan pack moving forward.

Both players are very important to their own teams.

As the song goes Rob Lui is Salfords star man, he has the ability to turn the game Salfords way and will be looking to turn the magic on in the South of France on Saturday

Todd Carney is Catalan Dragaons most creative player, back in Australia he suffered from ill discipline off the field but since playing in the South of France he has settled into the Catalan Team and become their "go to man" in many situations.

A moment of magic from either player could win the game for either team.

 

Both scrum halfs will be looking to have big impact on Good Fridays game, with their contrasting styles of play it will be a interesting battle.

Michael Dobson is Salfords rugby league general, probing and getting the team around the field with creative passing and a great kicking game. His organisational skills will be a key aspect in this battle.

Ex Salford player Myler may receive a hostile welcome form the Salford fans after he left the club under a cloud to to go Warrington but few fans can disagree he can be a match winner on his day.

Pace to burn and a ability to spot a gap in the defence Salford will need to be on top defensively to stop Myler.

STATS

Defence will be important on Saturday and with Mark Flanagan, George Griffin and Logan Tomkins in the middle zone of the field they will have a lot to do dealing with the Catalans big forward pack.

Catalan dragons have pace and power all over the field and defencively they will be very difficult to break down.

This game promises to be full of trys after last years 40-40 draw expect the same kind of action.
Jodie Broughton has been scoring lots of trys in 2016 and Josh Griffin for Salford has also been clinical with ball in hand.

Winning the battle in the forwards will be a key battle in the game on Saturday. Jusin Carney is a try scoring threat and a huge metre maker but Tony Gigot will need to martialled as he too can be dangerous

last time out

Salford 12 Catalan 26

Tries SALFORD : Josh Griffin Greg Johnson 2
Tries Catalan       : Gigot, Pelissier, Taylor 2
Goals Catalan      : Richards 5

Match report Hunslet Hawks 14 Salford 50

Salford started on the road to Wembley with a away tie against Hunslet Hawks. Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford travelled to the south Leeds stadium to face league one side Hunslet. The Hawks currently lying 10th in the table with one win and three defeats. Robert Lui got Salford off to a flying start and Ryan Lannon backed up well to score the first try. Michael Dobson added the goal and Salford lead  0-6.

Ryan Lannon was starting to look dangerous and burst through again only to be tackled just short. Salford moved the ball outwide on the next play and young Jake Bibby scored in the corner. Gareth O Brien missed the conversion 0-10. Josh Wood player hooker today was really looking sharp and causing mayhem for the Hunslet defence. He roared through the heart of the hawks defence and good backing up from Adam Walne and Michael Dobson sent Josh Griffin over for a super try. Gaz O Brien kicks the goal and Salford are well on top leading 0-16.

Shortly after Josh Griffin is over again showing great strength close to the Hunslet line.Gaz O Brien fails to convert 0-20. A lapse in concentration sees Salford let the kick off go in touch. Hunslet attack and receive a penalty. Jack Lee goes over after some poor defending close to the line. Conversation is missed 4-20.

Josh Wood is at his brilliant best again darting through to score from dummy half. O Brien kicks the goal. 4-26. More Salford pressure was building and Robert Lui showed a good dummy to ghost in under the posts showing a classy step.Michel Dobson added the goal 4-32. The Hawks refused to give in and came up with a try before the break. George Flanagan forcing his way over from close range. Kick was missed again and Salford had a comfortable lead of 8-32 at halftime!

Robert Lui started off the second half scoring with a try from a scrum very well worked piece of play. O Brien kick the goal 8-38. Next it was real fast hands and the ball went out wide to Jake Bibby and the youngster took his chance to go in for his second try. He certainly didn't look out of place this afternoon and looked dangerous with ball in hand.Gaz O Brien kicked a superb effort off the touch line 8-44. Hunslet got back in the score sheet through James Duckworth. Goal was missed again 12-44. Hunslet then strangely decided to kick for goal from a penalty kick 14-44.

Salford complete the scoring with Josh Griffin and Michael Dobson converted from the touch line 14-50.

Salford get passed the first hurdle and will be in the draw for the last 16. The draw will take place on Thursday morning at 8:30am live on BBC radio 4. Just three games stand between Salford and a trip to Wembley! It's been nice to see some of the young players shining this afternoon Josh wood and Jake Bibby in particular. Weller Hauraki also making a long awaited comeback today. Hoping for a home draw next round for the Red Devils!

March report Salford 14 Leeds 10

Salford are celebrating their 1st home win against Leeds Rhinos since 1993. Paul Whiteside talks you though the action at the AJ Bell.

It was a very nervous opening with both teams looking low on confidence. Salford started to build pressure with Michael Dobsons excellent kicking game pinning Leeds in there own half.

The Rhinos were starting to make mistakes. Salford however failed to capitalise knocking on early in the tackle count. After conceding some soft penalties Leeds are in the ascendancy with three sets of six on Salford's line. The Reds defence however is outstanding and we held the Rhinos out. After 23 minutes the deadlock is broken as Logan Tomkins seizes his chance and scooted over from dummy half. Gareth O Brien kicks the goal and Salford lead 6-0.

Salford started on the front foot and attacked again, Gaz O Brien huge bomb  bounced and Leeds are penalised for blocking Ben Murdoch Masila. Michael Dobson wisely kicks the penalty goal 8-0.
From the kick off Salford are penalised when in possession for moving off the mark. Very strange decision and seemed quite harsh.

The Reds defence again is like a red wall and there's no way through for the Rhinos. Salford's supporters hearts are in mouths as Justin Carney juggles the ball when collecting a kick,  He then went on a winding run bursting tackles and causing Leeds Rhinos lots of problems. Eventually he was brought down and after a very solid first half Salford lead 8-0 at half time.

The second half gets under way and a fantastic 40-20 kick from Robert Lui gets Salford on the front foot. The scrum packs down and Lui then weaves his magic dancing through the Leeds defence to score a wonderful try. Michael Dobson adds the goal and Salford lead 14-0.

Leeds were trying to produce a comeback throw everything at Salford, Kallum Watkins is held up over the line and a drop out is forced. Defence again is tremendous and Leeds fail to get on the score sheet.
Another booming kick from Michael Dobson causes panic at the back for Leeds Zak Hardacker and Ash Goulding make a real mess of it. Salford had the scrum and a try here would surely kill off the Rhinos. Leeds however force the mistake and the chance had gone.
With 7 minutes remain  Leeds finally get over the line with Keith Galloway. Zak Hardacker kicked the goal and it was 14-6. It's a nervy last 6 minutes for Salford as the Rhinos attacked on the next set and went over in the corner through Ash Goulding. Hardacker misses the kick 14-10.

The next set is a nervous one as Leeds come charging forward to try and pinch the game. The sigh of relief around the stadium is deafening as the rhinos knock on under brilliant Salford pressure. The clock counts down to a famous Salford win. A very tough 80 minutes where defence was the key and outstanding for most of the night.

Leeds Rhinos are struggling but still had some class players on show tonight. Robert Lui and Michael Dobson really bossed the game for Salford. It's been a long time coming and its got the Red Devils season back on track. The league takes a break next week for challenge cup action away at Hunslet.

Photos by Steve McCormack follow him on twitter @steve6394

Big match preview Salford Red Devils v Leeds

Salford Red Devils take on Leeds Rhinos on Saturday 9th April and its a big game for both teams looking to kick start their season. Dan Robinson takes us though the teams, Stats and much more enjoy

Michael Dobson v Rob Burrow

Dobson in recent games i think has struggled being the only true playmaker in the team. With the absence of Robert Lui by his side he really needs to lead the team around the field. We all know he can have a tremendous kicking game but can he have a complete performance against a Leeds Rhinos side that will look to try and get there season under way

Rob Burrow has been a fantastic player for the Rhinos over the years and has the ability to turn a game on its head. He can be targeted in defence by the likes of Masila who would be no match for the little whippet. The question is will burrow play at 7 or 9.

Craig Kopczak vAdam Cuthbertson

I think we really missed Kopczak last week against Wakefield. He is both strong going forward and and good in defence. If he can control the middle of the field and keep the likes of Cuthbertson and Galloway quiet then that will be a key factor if we are to get the 2 points on offer.

Cuthbertson has been in fine form since his arrival last season. He is one player we will have to watch out for and try and stop him off loading the ball in the tackle. His ability with the ball is fantastic and skill set means he can act as a halfback if required on the field. Kopczak and G.Griffin will need to match him upfront if we are to come out on top

Gaz O'Brien V Zak Hardaker

O'Brien has struggle in recent weeks having been switched from full back to half back on a number of occasions during a game. He is another player that has been really good for us and has kept Niall Evalds out of the starting 13. His kicking game can be very good and can ease the pressure on Dobson and try and help with field position. In recent games his goal kicking has come under some stick and we really do need him converting our chances on Saturday if we are to win

Hardaker is one of Leeds key strike players. He has an all round ability as he can play with the ball, has a solid defence and can also kick. The England international will look to carve some holes in the Devils defensive line on Saturday.

Stats

Defence will win you matches and Salford have players who are willing to do the hard work, George Griffin and Logan Tomkins will be looking close down the leeds attack on Saturday with lots of enthusiastic defence.  Leeds have Keith Galloway and Brett Ferris in a strong pack. Saturdays game  is so important  both defences will be tested and the defence who works the hardest will get the win.

It is so important that momentum is built and both teams have players who can make big yards in the tackle, Josh Griffin, Justin Carney and Junior Sau add both speed and strength to the go forward of Salford and all  3 will need to be in good form on Saturday to make the Rhinos pay.

Leeds love the battle and with Brett Ferris and Adam Cuthbertson they will make the hard yards, Zak Hardaker provides the pace and power to the Rhinos back  line.

Salford and Leeds have players who can be match winners on their day, Top try scorer for Salford Josh Griffin will be looking to add to his total and with Junior Sau and  Justin Carney also in support Salford will be looking to break down that Leeds defence.

Kalum Watkins and  Liam Sutcliffe are the dangermen for leeds.  If they are given space Leeds will punish Salford.

Coaches Corner

Both Coaches will be looking to use this result as a spring board to a more successful 2nd  half of the season, Brian McDermott finds his team towards the bottom of the league and its not normally where Leeds Rhinos function.  Pressure is building on him and defeat at Salford may be the final nail in the coffin.

Ian Watson will be looking to get back to winning ways after a disappointing result last week at Wakefield. with a growing injury list its how he manages his injured stars back into the team without

bringing them back in too soon.

Rob Lui has been drafted into the Salford 19 as a replacement for the injured Tommy Lee, Lui has so far in a Red shirt showed skills which left lots of Salford fans wanting more. he has been missed while he has been injured and now he is back Salford fans will be looking forward to more moments of magic from him.

Josh Griffin for England?

Ian Watson has sung the praises of SALFORD centre Josh Griffin regarding his recent performances in a Salford shirt and hinted he should be given a opportunity at international level with England. In this blog we look at his competitors for the role and statistically how he measures up with them.

The season so far

As of the time we are writing this blog Josh Griffin is currently Salford Red Devils top try scorer with 8 tries in 10 game (7 in this last 8 games), with competition from Jusin Carney, Greg Johnson, Junior Sau and Nial Evalds to currently hold this title shows how good of a season he has had so far.

He is a willing worker in the team with 24 tackle bursts 142 carries with a average metre gain per tackle of 9.48m (3rd, 2nd and 2nd  best in each category in the Salford Squad) shows he has a good work ethic for the team

He has become a important member  of the team with his all action style of play and the ability to score all different types of tries from burrowing over from  close range against Castleford to racing away to score against Huddesfield makes him a dangerous player for any opponent.

The Competition 

English Rugby league has a lot of quality centres to choose from but in his current form Josh Griffin is easily a match for any of them.

Try scorer

Josh Griffin currently leads the chasing pack with 8 tries so far this season, Even though his competitors are playing for clubs who tradionally finish higher than Salford or in Reeds case plays in Australia the fact he currently the leader of this category shows he is Super Leagues most dangerous centre.

If his good form continues throughout the season and he remains Super Leagues top English try scoring centre it will be very hard for Wayne Bennett to ignore him when picking a squad for the internationals at the end of the season .

As well as try scoring a good centre will provide opportunites for his wing man to score. Josh Griffin currently as 1 assist this season and with 3 in 2015. Sarginson currently has 6 try assists, Atkins has 3 and Kudjoe has 5 so with quicker ball provided to Griffin as the season progresses will allow him to grow his total and make 2016 his best yet. 

Carries / tackle bursts

Dan Sarginson is the busiest Centre of our group with 169 carries so far this season. Josh Griffin is 2nd 142 carries shows like Sarginson Josh is willing to get his hands dirty and not just score tries unlike Ryan Atkins who have made 70 carries .

With Carries its also important factor in how often a centre bursts a tackle to set up a Try or score one himself and Josh Griffin scores highly again. 

Griffin has 24 tackle bursts 3 behind Sarginson and 5 ahead of Cudjoe who has 17 he would be considered a danger when the ball is moved wide.

With Josh Griffin featuring so highly in this area he has made he most metres so far this season totalling 1346. he is nearly 400m ahead of Dan Sarginson who has made 1083 and Cudjoe with 932.
Ryan Atkins is at 689m. Griffin has nearly made double that so far this season.

 Defensively Josh Griffin is holding his own, with only 5 tackles difference between Sarginson, Atkins and Griffin himself he has shown this season he is a solid defender.

Special skill

Josh  Griffin is a quality goal kicker, in 2015 he kicked 55 goals making him the 4th best English goal kicker in superleague. with around 75% success rate. Kicking a total of 108 goals during his Superleague career if Wayne Bennett is looking for a alternative goal kicking option then Josh will be high on his list.

Josh Griffin has had a impressive start to 2016 in a Salford shirt, if he continues to perform at his current level then a international career cant be too far away.

Josh Griffin for England?

Ian Watson has sung the praises of SALFORD centre Josh Griffin regarding his recent performances in a Salford shirt and hinted he should be given a opportunity at international level with England. In this blog we look at his competitors for the role and statistically how he measure up with them.

The season so far

As of the time we are writing this blog Josh Griffin is currently Salford Red Devils top try scorer with 8 tries in 10 game (7 in this last 8 games), with competition from Jusin Carney, Greg Johnson, Junior Sau and Nial Evalds to currently hold this title shows how good of a season he has had so far.

He is a willing worker in the team with 24 tackle bursts 142 carries with a average metre gain per tackle of 9.48m (3rd, 2nd and 2nd  best in each category in the Salford Squad) shows he has a good work ethic for the team

He has become a important member  of the team with his all action style of play and the ability to score all different types of tries from burrowing over from  close range against Castleford to racing away to score against Huddesfield make him a dangerous player for any opponent.

The Competition 

English Rugby league has a lot of quality centres to choose from but in his current form Josh Griffin is easily a match for any of them.

g

Try scorer

Josh Griffin currently leads the chasing pack with 8 tries so far this season, Even though his competitors are playing for clubs who tradionally finish higher than Salford or in Reeds case plays in Australia the fact he currently the leader of this category shows he is Super Leagues most dangerous centre.

If his good form continues throughout the season and he remains Super Leagues top English try scoring centre it will be very hard for Wayne Bennett to ignore him when picking a squad for the internationals at the end of the season .

As well as try scoring a good centre will provide opportunites for his Wing man to score. Josh Griffin currently as 1 assist this season and with 3 in 2015. Sarginson currently has 6 try assists, Atkins has 3 and Kudjoe has 5 so with quicker ball provided to Griffin as the season progresses will allow him to grow his total and make 2016 his best yet. 

Carries / tackle bursts

Dan Sarginson is the busiest Centre of our group with 169 carries so far this season. Josh Griffin is 2nd 142 carries shows like Sarginson Josh is willing to get his hands dirty and not just score tries unlike Ryan Atkins who have made 70 carries .

With Carries its also important factor in how often a centre bursts a tackle to set up a Try or score one himself and Josh Griffin scores highly again. 

Griffin has 24 tackle bursts 3 behind Sarginson and 5 ahead of Cudjoe who has 17 he would be considered a danger when the ball is moved wide.

With Josh Griffin featuring so highly in this area he has made he most metres so far this season totalling 1346. he is nearly 400m ahead of Dan Sarginson who has made 1083 and Cudjoe with 932.
Ryan Atkins is at 689m. Griffin has nearly made double that so far this season.

 Defensively Josh Griffin is holding his own, with only 5 tackles difference between Sarginson, Atkins and Griffin himself he has shown this season he is a solid defender.

Special skill

Josh  Griffin is a quality goal kicker, in 2015 he kicked 55 goals making him the 4th best English goal kicker in superleague. with around 75% success rate. Kicking a total of 108 goals during his Superleague career if Wayne Bennett is looking for a alternative goal kicking option then Josh will be high on his list.

Josh Griffin has had a impressive start to 2016 in a Salford shirt, if he continues to perform at his current level then a international career cant be too far away.

Match Report Wakefield 32 Salford Red Devils 18

Salford Red Devils travelled to Wakefield today looking for back to back victories in Yorkshire. Paul Whiteside was there to watch the action.

It was a bad start for Salford with Craig Kopczak being ruled out in the warm up with a back spasm and a early soft penalty conceded by Salford allowed Trinity half back Jacob Miller to open the scoring Liam Finn kicked the goal 6-0. Wakefield started to put Salford under pressure with some solid defence.  Josh Griffin came up with a knock on which then lead to some soft tackling from Salford. This allowed Danny Kirmond  to get over the line. Liam Finn again adds the goal and Trinity are flying.

Six minutes on the clock and its 12-0 and Salford are in a hole. Salford needed to get some possession to get a foot hold in the game. Good pressure in defence from Adam Walne made Wakefield spill the ball ten meters from there own line. Salford attacked the line, Gareth O Brien goes though a big gap to score. He adds the two points and Salford and back in business at 12-6.

Michael Dobson was good through out the game kept putting Wakefield under pressure with excellent tactical kicks, he turned try provider putting Gaz O Brien through another gap who fed Matt Sarsfield . Gaz O Brien adds the two points and Salford are level 12-12.

Just as Salford seem to be getting on top a mistake from Ben Murdoh Masila allows Wakefield to attack the Reds line,  a great kick on the fifth tackle from Jake Miller to the wing saw Tom Johnstone out jump Josh Griffin to score right on half time. Liam Finn misses a difficult conversation but trinity lead 16-12 at half time.

Salford start the second half a lot sharper and are unlucky not to score through Adam Walne who is adjudged off side going over the line from Michael Dobsons grubber kick. Poor Salford defending out wide allowed Tom Johnstone space to beat Gaz O Brien to score his second try. Liam Finn added the goal and its  22-12 Wakefield.

Salford decide to shuffle things around for the last 20 minutes bringing Niall Evalds came off the bench. The Reds started to find their feet and some form in this game. Ben Murdoch Masila makes a great break passing to Michael Dobson who is tackled just short of the line. Salford  built pressure and a nice kick from Gaz O Brien traps Wakefield in goal. Unfortunateley for Salford a error by Justin Carney knocking on defuses the pressure on the Wildcats.

 Looking the better side Salford begin to up the intensity, a Josh Jones break gets Salford moving and Junior Sau bursts through but the chance is not converted into a try.   Niall Evalds is unlucky not to score as he's held up over the line. From the drop out Wakefield crack and Justin Carney gets in  at the corner following a big over lap. Michael Dobson kicks brilliantly off the touch line and  the score is  22-18 Wakefield but its all Salford.

Salford really start to up the tempo and two quick penalties put us in range of more points but Wakefield prevent Justin  Carney going over again, A lovely flick out pass round the back from Josh Jones sees Niall Evalds race away hugging the touch line only to get tackled just short by a desperate Wakefield defence. Salford keep attacking and force a drop out with 9 minutes remaining. Michael Dobsons kick at the end of the set is too strong and Wakefield Trinity survive as the ball goes dead.



Salford are not finished and more pressure though a Junior Sau break fills Salford fans with hope as he scorches towards the line. Unfortunaltey  Sau offloads as he is tackled and the ball is kicked dead by a Wakefield defender but unfortunately a 20 meter restart is given. Then the game clincher  for Wakefield a real sucker punch try as a Reech Lynne brushes off a tackle and throws a dummy to score. Liamm Finn adds the exra 2 points for Wakefield and its 28-18.

Salford's short kick off fails to go ten meters and Wakefield are given the penalty. Salfords are very tired and defending has become a problem,  a slick drop off pass to Tom Johnstone and the talented young winger grabs his hat trick. Liam Finn fails with the kick. 32-18.

The hooter sounds and its a very disappointing day for Salford. With a few injuries Salford are now finding it tough. Credit to Wakefield trinity they were the best team today. Salford must be more clinical having a lot of ball and making lots of breaks but failing to take advantage on numerous occasions. Another tough games follows at the AJ Bell next week when Leeds are the visitors.

stats

Ian Watson press conference

We gave Wakefield a bit of a start, once we got back we looked the stronger team.  we lost Koppy due to a back spasm and we have a few injuries but Rob Lui is not far away.
Injuries open the door to other players that is why you have a squad. We are confident as a group that we have players that step up.
Our defence was awful at the beginning of the game. Our kick chase was poor in the 1st half.  We need to Just keep reminding the players how good they actually can be when they get it right. 

Big thankyou to @The18thgirl and @steve6394 for the images give them a follow they are great photographers