Wigan v Salford Big Match preview DITD

If you were to travel south of Cheshire to any part of the country and asked people to name a rugby league team I’d guess that Wigan would be a fairly popular answer. Wigan RL is an institution, so much history and tradition. Since the mid 80s they have lead the way in the sport with so much success.

Over the years the town of Wigan with its many amateur clubs has produced so many players that have gone on to represent all the different clubs in different divisions. Take Salford for example, we’ve had so many good Wigan born players over the years. That is something to be admired and respected. 

The Wigan fixture is one I always look out for at the start of the season. I suppose a comparison could be Manchester United in football. They are a significant scalp if you manage to beat them and no matter how much rival fans don’t like them they certainly can’t be ignored.

Wigan notched up an incredible eight consecutive Challenge Cup Titles between 1988 and 1995. Ironically it was Salford that brought that winning running to an end on a monumental day at The Willows in February 1996.

Although Wigan’s dominance in the summer era has been more modest, they have still managed three Challenge Cup wins, five Super League Titles and were World Club Champions In 2017.

After coach Shaun Wanes departure at the end of last season along with several key players leaving Wigan have struggled to build any momentum. Form has been patchy but over the last month or so results have gone in their favour after some battling performances. Going in to Friday nights clash The Warriors sit one place below Salford level on 18 points. The Red Devils have a superior points difference. 

Their still seems to be an uncertainty over who will be Wigan coach for next season. It’s going to be interesting to see what unfolds over the next few months.

Both sides have it all to play for and are capable of mounting an assault on the Top Five. 

Super League away record.

Wigan 19

Draws 0

Salford 2

1997 Wigan 14 Salford 21

1998 Wigan 34 Salford 6

1999 Wigan 64 Salford 2

2000 Wigan 52 Salford 20

2001 Wigan 70 Salford 4

2002 Wigan 32 Salford 0

2004 Wigan 20 Salford 10

2005 Wigan 40 Salford 12

2006 Wigan 20 Salford 12

2007 Wigan 40 Salford 16

2009 Wigan 34 Salford 18

2010 Wigan 60 Salford 10

2011 Wigan 52 Salford 18

2012 Wigan 38 Salford 6

2013 Wigan 46 Salford 6

2014 Wigan 45 Salford 4

2015 Wigan 19 Salford 12

2016 Wigan 20 Salford 16

2017 Wigan 16 Salford 31

2017 Wigan 42 Salford ( Super eights)

2018 Wigan 

They played for both 

Over the years there have been plenty of players who’ve been at both clubs at some point in their career. Here are a few of them,

Mal Aspey, Neil Baynes, Steve Blakeley, Gavin Clinch, Andy Coley, Michael Dobson, Mark Flanagan, Martin Gleeson, Sean Gleeson, Wayne Godwin, Bobbie Goulding, Andy Gregory, Steve Hampson, Ged Byrne, Paul O Neil,

Harrison Hansen, Gareth Hock, Nathan Mcavoy, Lee Mossop, Jack Murphy, David Myers, Martin Offiah, Sam Panapa, John Pendlebury, Luke Robinson,

Tim Smith, David Stephenson, Trevor Stockey, Ged Stazicker, Scott Taylor, Logan Tomkins, Colin Whitfield, Peter Smethurst, Stephen Wild and Phil Ford.

A match to remember Friday 5th May 2017.

Wigan 16 Salford 31.

2017 was a real rollercoaster season for Salford and their supporters. A fourth place finish after the regular season and an excellent run to The Challenge cup semi final. 

At the start of May The Red Devils were bang in form and turned up for this fixture full of confidence. Our last victory away at Wigan had come Twenty years early at Central Park 14-21 in the 1997 season. 

Wigan’s new stadium hadn’t been a happy hunting ground for Salford over the last couple of decades with some real heavy defeats and hapless performances. This night in May 2017 was a night to be proud of. Ian Watson’s side had some real young talent that took their opportunity giving the loyal away following a night to remember 

A blistering first half performance saw Salford take their chances really well. They were clinical and punished Wigan at crucial times. Tries came from Niall Evalds, Kris Welham and Ben Murdoch Masila. 

Michael Dobson orchestrated his side superbly, organising and barking instructions out. His half back partner Robert Lui was also at his best. Unpredictable and very deceptive Lui was a constant attacking threat.

Leading 0-16 at half time The Red Devils had played a near perfect forty minutes.

Salford looked like cruising to victory with two quick-fire second-half tries from Evalds and Greg Johnson as the Champions looked shell shocked. Although Wigan scores from Tom Davies, Ryan Sutton and Lewis Tierney made the score respectable, the night belonged to the visitors.

Gareth O'Brien was taken out as he dropped a goal, the one-pointer counted and the former Warrington man also slotted over the penalty to seal the win.

The month of May turned into a special month with four victories following the Wigan win. Hull Kr were beaten in The Challenge Cup, Leigh we’re put to the sword in the Magic Weekend clash at Newcastle, fifty points were put on Catalans before a bank holiday masterclass away at Warrington!

The teams that night were,

Wigan, Tierney, Davies, Forsyth, Burgess, Marshall, Woods, Powell, Nu’uausala,

Ganson, Sutton, Isa, Farrell, J. Tomkins.

Subs, Tautai, Gregson, Bretherton, Navarrette.

Salford, Evalds, Johnson, Welham, Jones, Bibby, Lui, Dobson, Tasi, L. Tomkins,

Walne, Lannon, Murdoch-Masila, Krasniqi.

Subs, Kopzack, Brining, Murray, O Brien.

Referee, Chris Campbell.

Attendance, 11,861.

Friday’s Match.

Both sides come into Friday’s match on winning form. Salford have won their last two matches at home to Wakefield and Castleford respectively.

Hosts Wigan have won their last three games and they’ve all been away from home.

Over the past week transfer speculation has been intensified, with Robert Lui a target for Leeds. As I write this nothing has yet been confirmed. 

One player moving on next year is Jake Bibby. Jake will join his home town club Wigan for the 2020 season. He will be looking to impress in this fixture and has been among the tries recently with five in the last three matches.

Chris Hankinson has impressed recently for the Warriors with some big performances at centre. His goal kicking has caught the eye and last weekend at Huddersfield he scored a try and kicked seven goals. The rest of Wigan’s three quarter line is also impressive. With Joe Burgess, Oliver Gildart and Liam Marshall providing plenty of pace. Zak Hardacker at fullback is a world class player on his day and with a fierce pack that don’t take any prisoners Salford need to be at their best.

Joe Greenwood is a very dangerous player when he receives the ball out wide or close to the line and with star stand-off George Williams providing the openings and opportunities Wigan’s left edge will be a big threat. 

Veteran Sean O’Loughlin has been back to form in recent weeks. The Warriors captain is now 36 with well over 400 appearances behind him since making his debut in 2002.

Salford coach Ian Watson will be looking for another big performance from his pack, particularly in defence. Prop Gil Dudson has been outstanding playing big minutes. 

Tyrone McCarthy has grasped his opportunity over the last couple of matches putting in some tremendous performances.

Captain Lee Mossop hobbled off injured after a big effort last Friday against Castleford and could be a doubt.

Jackson Hastings has been one of Salford’s most consistent performers this year, with an unbelievable work rate and attitude, his commitment to the cause is heart warming for the supporters to see which makes him a huge fans favourite.

An away fixture at Wigan is what I like to call the big stage. A real chance to showcase your skills and show the rugby league world what your all about.

Ian Watson and his side have continued to prove people wrong all season and victory in this match would be a huge boost to Salford’s ambitions for 2019.

A good start is imperative, the forward battle will be bruising and exciting to watch. This match has all the qualities to make it an absolute cracker.

Safe travels and enjoy the game everyone.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford v Hull KR big match preview

 Salford Red Devils take on Hull Kingston Rovers in the challenge cup at the AJ Bell on Friday, Paul Parkin looks forward to the game in his big match preview

Battles

 

Battle 1 – Shaun Lunt v Logan Tomkins

Whoever is on the field at any time in the hooking role for the Red Devils is sure to have a hard challenge against Shaun Lunt. Whitehave born Lunt is both experienced, having made over 270 first grade appearances and featuring in no less than 3 challenge cup finals! A skilled and very dangerous dummy half is well capable of causing Salford huge problems with pacey burst of speed and a key eye for the try line. 

Fortunately for the Reds we are blessed with 2 very good hookers in both Logan Tomkins who is having an exception spell with his very high work rate and the ever-impressive Kris Brining who has already wowed Salford fans with his speed at the play-the-ball and eye for the try line.

 Battle 2 – Maurice Blair v Rob Lui

 

These two guys could hold the key to either team emerging triumphant from the game. Blair another hugely experienced player brought over from Australia in 2014 predominantly as a second rower but his versatility has meant that Rovers have been able to now use him at stand off. A big man for the role who’ll take some stopping but has very good hands to move the ball and Hull KR around the park, a real leader. 

Rob Lui has, at times this season, been unplayable, his stepping, weaving runs and clever creative play has been pivotal in the Red Devils march up the Super League this season.

 
  Battle 3 – Ben Cockayne v Gareth Obrien/ Niall Evalds

Yet again experience is the key and there can be many more experienced in the Rovers line-up than full back Ben Cockayne. A formidable opponent who always causes problems for opposing sides. In his second spell with the Robins he’ll surely be one of the key components to their swift return to Super League.

For the Reds, well a real dilemma for coach Ian Watson as to who gets the full back slot. Evalds bang in form following 2 stunning performances against Widnes and Wigan scoring 3 tries in the process. However how on earth do you leave out “The Saviour” a man who is synonymous with this fixture, his goal kicking (and drop goals of course) alone can with a game but in general play there can be very few better running around at the minute.

 

 
Previous encounters 

Previous Challenge Cup meetings (This century)

Fri 28th Feb 03

Hull KR 2 Salford 12

 

 

Last time we met

22nd July 2016

Hull KR 18 Salford 19

Salford were victorious in the million pound game against Hull KR. A Gaz O'Brien drop goal in extra time was enough to secure Salfords place in Super League for 2017 and condemning Rovers to Relegation.

 

Trading places?

Here’s a few players who have donned the colours of both sides.

Michael Dobson

Kris Welham

George Griffin

Iain Thornley

David Hodgson

Darrell Goulding

Chris Charles

Nick Pinkney

Greg Austin

Jack Feetham

 
Squads

 
 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, Paul Parkin joins the boys to talk through all the big stories of the week. Lami Tasi and Adam Walne look back at the big win v Wigan. Ian Watson in in coaches corner, Paul Whiteside previews our local amateur clubs fixtures and results as we look forward to the cup game on Friday against Hull KR.

Wigan Warriors 16 Salford 31 Match Report

 

It's a big win for Salford Red Devil's after a stressful week for the fans read all about it here with Paul Whiteside.

Salford arrived at the DW stadium full of confidence after last weeks win against Widnes. This has been a tough ground for the Red Devil's over the years having not yet registered a win there. Salford's last win at Wigan coming in August 1997. 

Salford were without Lee Mossop, Junior Sau, George Griffin, Mark Flanagan and Todd Carney who were all missing so young guns Daniel Murray, Ryan Lannon and Jake Bibby got another chance after last weeks heroics!

 The Salford supporters were situated in the North stand with lots of flags on show after what can only be described as an uncertain and emotional week following the club we all love. 

The Red Devil's started well, fired up for this one with some lovely flowing rugby. Kris Welham scored a early try in the corner. 4-0 Micheal Dobson missed the kick. 

Wigan looked to hit back immediately when Sam Powell grubber kick through but Liam Farrell spilt the ball with the line begging. 

The Salford defence was looking really solid and the pack was on top of the Warriors. Adam Walne was again coming up with some great runs. Olsi Krasniqi played at loose forward working his socks off all game.

 

With 22 minutes gone Niall Evalds spotted a gap to race over for a try. Dobson converted to extend the lead to 0-10.

Kris Welham again having an excellent game in both attack and defence forced a Wigan drop out. 

Then Big Ben struck again for Salford, Murdoch Masila went crashing through for a huge try. Dobson converted and it was  0-16. 

Niall Evalds again was filling in at full back came up with two try saving tackles in quick succession to cap a tremendous first half display. As the half time hooter sounded Micheal Dobson races away after pouching a Wigan kick. 

 

Wigan start the second half with an error deep in there own half. Kris Brining went close but it was a last tackle play that got Salford the points. Niall Evalds raced on to a pin point kick into the in goal area to score right in front of the huge away following. Dobson's goal made it 0-22.

The Red Devil's were full of running and everyone wanted the ball, you can see the confidence and desire flowing through the team.

 Good fast hands pushed the ball out wide in a blink of an eye to Greg Johnson who finishes superbly. Sensational attacking play from Salford to which Wigan have no answer. Dobson kicks off the touch line to a huge roar and Salford lead 0-28.

 

 

Wigan start to put pressure on Salford and when Robert Lui kicks out on the full the Warriors took advantage. On the next play they were over in the corner through Tom Davies. The Kick was missed but Salford still lead 4-28. 

It's started a bit of a purple patch for Wigan and two more try's first Ryan Sutton who made it 10-28. Then back to back penalties and some courageous Salford defence couldn't stop Wigan forcing a third set of 6 tackles from a drop out Lewis Tierney scored wide out. Wigan converted and Salford lead 16-28. 

With 6 minutes remaining Salford got some relief when the Warriors  knock on in their own half. The Red Devil's drove to the posts with great tactics from Ian Watson and Gareth O Brien dropped a goal. He is also taken out late so a penalty is awarded on top of the drop goal. Dobson adds that and Salford came away with three points from that passage of play to extend their lead to 16-31. 

 

It's was a famous night for Salford their traveling army of supporters whooped and sung with delight at the final hooter. Once again the players did a fantastic job. Ian Watson was delighted after the game, Watto played in the win at Central Park 20 years ago for Salford so it's double delight for him. The supporters did the club proud tonight and I am sure they gave the players a huge lift with the brilliant atmosphere in the away end.  

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat in one place, BBC presenter and host of The Super League show Tanya Arnold gives us her view of Salfords season so far, we talk about the Justin Carney decision, potential name changes to Manchester and lot of Salford Red Devil's news you need to know.

We talk to Dobbo, Jake Bibby and Greg Johnson about the Win v Widnes, Paul looks at what our amateur clubs fixtures are this weekend too.

Dave Campbell joins us to talk about his latest project where he and 30 other volunteers plan to advertise the club and their games in the area of Salford and Manchester.

Salford 30 Widnes 10 match report

Salford secured another league win to keep their journey to the top 8 on course with victory against Widnes. Paul Whiteside with all the details.

 Salford Red Devil's were back in league action today with the visit of Widnes Vikings. The visitors had seen big improvements in recent weeks with a good home win against St Helens last Friday. Salford gave a debut to young forward Daniel Murray and Niall Evalds returned at full back for the injured Gareth O Brien. The other significant change came on the wing were Jake Bibby took Justin Carneys place. 

 

The first 20 minutes were a tight affair Evalds was great under the high ball and also looking very sharp in attack. The Salford defence was looking really solid. Adam Walne and Lami Tasi coming up with some huge hits. The half way point sees the introduction of Kris Brining and Craig Kopczack. 

There is an instant impact with Brinings sharpness at the play the ball and good distribution, Ben Murdoch Masila is over for the first try. Michael Dobson adds the goal 6-0. Widnes are not really offering much in attack but a lot of that is down to Salford's excellent defensive work. 

Kris Welham is proving to be a nightmare for opposing defences when his fantastic kick through finds the speedy Greg Johnson who races in. Dobson gets the luck with the conversation in off the post 12-0.

Joe Mellor the Widnes stand off looks the most likely to break the Salford resistance. The Red Devil's goal line defence stays firm. Just before the break Michael Dobson was taken off for a concussion assessment. 

 The second half opens up with another great piece of full back play from Evalds who seems to be growing in confidence taking everything the vikings throw at him. 

 

Widnes get the first points of the second half after just four minutes keeping the ball alive on the last tackle. Half back Tom Gilmore scores the try and adds the extra two 12-6.

Next up sees a real piece of magic from Robert Lui. His sublime reverse kick finds Niall Evalds who darts over for a well deserved try. Dobson kicks the goal to edge Salford further in front at 18-6. 

Salford's attack is starting to click in to gear and another flash kick through from Dobson looks to find Evalds who's pace is frightening. The bounce just Evalds him to deny what would of been a sensational score. 

The Vikings though were not for giving in. Patrick Ah Van crashing over in the corner with 17 minutes to go. Gilmore fails to convert 18-10. 

Michael Dobson kicked a penalty goal on the 68th minute 20-10. The final ten minutes however belonged to Salford. Lama Tasi busts right through the heart of the vikings in another thrilling attack. Dobson's clever kick forces a drop out. The pressure is to much for the Vikings and Lui's  pass finds Masila who charges to the line carrying three defenders over showing sheer power! The crowd are on there feet as Dobson kicks the goal 26-10.

 

The final action sees Jake Bibby in the right place at the right time taking Josh Jones offload to score. The youngster was excellent all afternoon showing real strength going forward and was brilliant under the high ball in defence. Dobson goal hits the post 30-10. 

Another solid display from Salford. Ian Watson was happy with how the young players had dealt with the pressure. Without pack stars lee Mossop and George Griffin the young Devils Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon showed there is competition for places throughout this squad. 

A huge game away at Wigan is next up next Friday. It's 20 years since Salford won that particular away fixture. The way this side are playing though it should be a great night. It's back up to third place in the table. 

Salford 30 Widnes 10.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks DITD here all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we look back at the Toronto match with Ian Watson. All the big news of the week regarding Salford is covered and we talk to Olsi Krasniqi and Craig Kopczak too. Enjoy 

Catalan v Salford big match preview

 

Salford travel to France this Bank Holiday full of confidence after a great win against Leigh, Check out Dan Robinson's latest blog here looking forward to the game.

Form

 

Stats

 

 Head to Head 

 

There will be battles all over the field on Monday tea time. Take a look below at the battles to look out for

 

Moa v Tasi

Both props have some power behind them especially Tasi who is known for his powerful runs and dominance in defence just ask Harrison Hansen who was on the wrong side of one of the 'bondi bombers' monster tackles on Friday. Like Tasi, Moa is a very storming carrier of the ball and can help get The Dragons on the front foot. Both having experience in the NRL playing for Sydney Roosters both are certain to be key players in the game on Monday

 

Walsh v Carney

The departure of Luke Walsh from saints to Catalans was in my opinion a very big shock as Walsh is a brilliant rugby league player. The halfbacks kicking game is second to non and he really does get the players around him working very hard. If the Reds are to get the win I feel they will need to keep this man very quiet. Having been rested for the Leigh game Carney will look for a starting place against his former employers. Like Walsh for Catalans Carney has been a great asset to the Red Devil's in 2017 and adds that extra option in attack. With Rob Lui possibly being rested Carney will surly step up to the plate and show the dragons what they are missing.

 

Casty v Flanagan 

With 2 stints at the Catalans Dragons forward Remi Casty is a vital cog in the Dragons engine. Casty can really boss the dragons around the park and is a true leader for them. With over 180 appearances for the French outfit His experience will undoubtedly help the dragons on the field and the Devils will need to watch out for him come gameday. 

Flanagan for me has been an outstanding signing for Salford as goes under the radar a lot but does a great job in the middle. His versatility at covering a lot of positions can help the Devils if any injuries do occur during the campaign. The tackling machine has made some outstanding performances in 2017 and I see this continuing with Flanagan putting his body on the line until the final whistle of the final game when ever that will be.

Squads

 

 

Ex players return 

 

 

Richie Myler, Jodie Broughton and Luke Burgess all impressed when in a Red shirt, Luke and Jodie  are currently injured but Richie Myler will be looking to impress on Monday 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat and news in one place, this week we talk to Michael Dobson and Lami Tasi and Ian Watson joins us in coaches corner. 

salford v leigh big match preview

 

Salford Red Devil's face Leigh Centurions this Good Friday at the AJ Bell stadium. It looks like it's going to be a great crowd too with lots of tickets sold this week.

Check out our big match preview here looking forward to the game.

Previous meetings 

 

Form

 

Battles

 

The hooking role will be so important on Friday and dictating operations around the ruck can influence the game.

Logan Tomkins in the form of his life at the moment and has taken huge steps forward with the added responsibility of being Salfords senior hooker.

Good in attack solid in defence Logan will be looking forward to more great things on Friday.

Mickey Higham is the Peter Pan of leigh Rugby, he may be advancing in years but still has the quality to cause teams problems

Higham is a local leigh lad and playing in this derby will get the blood flowing and his battle with Logan will be a highlight on Friday.

 

The forward battle will be a great battle with both sets of forwards full of pace and power.

George Griffin has been in outstanding form in 2017 switching to the backrow. With powerful running, aggressive defence and stamina by the bucket load he is the energy provider for the Salford pack.

Dayne Weston has it all, the experienced Australian forward will be looking to put the marker down this derby day at Salford, his experience gained in Australia playing in pressure games will be valuable when battle commences.

 

Ben Murdoch Masila is Salfords go to forward, he the has pace and power to cause any defenders problems.

He has scored tries and been involved in some big Salford moments in 2017 so far and there is lots more to come from the big man.

Glen Stewart is a top Australian forward, playing at the highest level both nationally and internationally for Australia he has a wealth of experience coming into this game.

He spent some time playing for Catalan Dragons too so has experience in the European Super league and his battle with Ben will be very exciting.

Squad news

 

 

What a easter treat we have set up for you this week on YOUR devil in the detail podcast, after the amazing win v Hull we speak to Michael Dobson and Lami Tasi and get their reaction to the game, Ian Watson talks to us in Coaches corner too. We have all the latest news looking forward to Friday as well as Paul takes us through the amateur results and fixtures this weekend. Its a great show tune in here.

Salford v St Helens big match preview

Salford Red Devil's host St Helens on Thursday night at the AJ bell and it looks to be a fantastic match up Dan Robinson looks at where the battle will be won and lost.

 

 

The battles

 

Battle 1 

Carney v Swift

After last weeks fantastic performance Justin Carney is starting to look like his old self again and really seems to be enjoying life as a Devil. The explosive running winger has finally got on the score sheet this season and will no doubt look to double his tally on Thursday night.

Possible England candidate Swift has also been going well for the visitors this season and has done since he came into the scene wearing the saints jersey. Swift certainly has the speed element but can he cope with the power of Carney or Johnson? We shall see.

 

Battle 2

Lee Mossop v  Kyle Amor

After missing out last week against Widnes the 2017 England candidate will no doubt want to be in the team this week against his former sides closer rival. Mossop has really put in some strong performances which hasn't gone unnoticed. His determination to get over the game line has really helped the Devils get on the front foot this season.

Kyle Amor for Saints has also been very good this campaign so far and calls for him to get a call up to the international scene have been made by many saints supporters. Very much like Mossop his no nonsense style of play helps the saints in the middle of the park. This will be a very good battle Thursday night for sure

 

Battle 3

Michal Dobson v Marty Smith 

For me this is the battle that will win the game for either side. Dobson has been such an asset this season and his kicking game will be key if the Devils are to get the points on Thursday. Hopefully he can continue from last week and the link between him, Lui, Carney and Obrien will be crucial.

Ex Salford halfback Smith hasn't had the best start to 2017 after suffering a broken leg. His return to the side last week helped the Saints get the points against a battered Wolves side. Which number 7 will be the one smiling come Thursday night we shall see.

Stats 

 

Form

 

Players to may feature against their former club

 

There will be lots of players looking to impress on Thursday night against their former teams. Salford with Lami Tasi, Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones  will he looking to put one over on the saints.

Ex Salford favourite Theo Fages, Tommy Lee and Matty Smith will be looking forward to coming back to the AJ Bell and spoiling the party.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your big match build up here. We look back at a good week for Salford with a win against Widnes with Kris Welham and   Greg Johnson, Ian Watson is in coaches corner as we preview the big game against Saints.

widnes v Salford match report

 

Salford travelled to Widnes looking for back to back wins for the first time this season. Logan Tomkins came up with a terrific try saving tackle as Salford's goal line defence was put under early pressure. 

Some strong running from the pack earned good field position and Lami Tasi powers over for the opening try. O Brien kicks the goal 0-6. Next up a lovely flowing move from the Red Devil's Gaz O'Brien finds Kris Welham who gave Greg Johnson a chance. There is still work to be done but Greg stepped inside superbly to touchdown. O Brien misses the kick 0-10 Salford.

 

Salford's continued to put pressure on Widnes with some great defence. The Vikings come up with an error deep in there own half and Salford pounce. George Griffin went over from close range O'Brien failed to convert but Salford were in control at 0-14. 

The lead soon increases with a try this time from Ben Murdoch Masila. Michael Dobson is successful with the conversation and at 0-20 it was all Salford.

The team really start to turn the screw Greg Johnson races 60 yards after picking up a loose ball. The ball ends up with centre Kris Welham who finishes brilliantly in the corner. Michael Dobson kicks well and it's 0-26. 

 

The Salford supporters behind the sticks are enjoying every second and it's a great away following. A nice kick to touch and there looks nothing on but the Red Devil's chase is tremendous as the force the Widnes player in touch. Salford's enthusiasm is outstanding, racing to form the scrum. Excellent centre play from Junior Sa'u putting Justin Carney over for his first try of the season right on half time. Dobson fails to convert but it's a special first half from Salford 0-30 at the break.

It's a bit of a sloppy start to the second half with a few penalties conceded and Widnes take advantage with Corey Thompson going over 4-30.

There was a welcoming roar when Todd Carney entered the field for his debut. Moments later Justin Carney makes a great burst and charges down the pitch. Todd throws out a speculative pass to Sa'u who cuts loose and Michael Dobson is in support to score a well deserved try O'Brien kicks the goal 4-36.

 

Holes are starting to appear all over for the Widnes defence and Robert Lui is next on the try scoring list with a huge smile on his face it is well deserved! O brien couldn't convert 4-40. Todd Carney started to find his feet and made another Salford break. Players are queuing up to score and Gaz O'Brien strolled in. Dobson kicked the goal 4-46. Rhys Hansbury gets the final score of the game a consolation for the Vikings! 

It's an outstanding display from Salford demolishing Widnes. Ian Watson was delighted with attack and defence a real solid team performance! The whole feeling around the club at the moment is positive and Salford are definitely building momentum. St. Helens come to the AJ Bell next Thursday but in this form Salford won't fear anybody! Widnes 10 Salford 46. Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast. All the latest news regarding Magic Weekend tickets, interviews with George Griffin, Mark Flanagan, Rob Lui and Lee Mossop as well as a look at where our amateur sides play this Saturday. The big debate after it was announced we will face Toronto Wolfpack in the Challenge cup and our fantastic win yesterday which trophy you our listener prefer to win the Challenge cup or the Super league title? A great debate to enjoy tweet us your answer by using #cupreds or #superreds