Salford 30 Warrington 31

A dramatic night at the AJ bell in horrible conditions Chris Sandow drops goals Warrington to victory. Paul Whiteside takes us through the  events of the game.

Salford got off to the perfect start against Warrington with a try from Junior Sau Michael Dobson kicked the goal and Salford lead 6-0.

Warrington looked sharp and drew level with a try from ex Wigan player Jack Hughes. Referee Chris hicks was unsure and consulted the video replay. It seemed a harsh decision as he looked to be held up. Chris Sandow added the goal 6-6.

Warrington took the lead as Ben Currie went over close to the line easing through some poor defence. Chis Sandow kicked the goal and Warrington lead 6-12.

Salford soon levelled things up after a lovely kick through from Michael Dobson which was pounced on by Josh Jones, Michael Dobson again added the kick and the game was level at 12-12.
Salford suddenly slotted in to gear to the delight of the home fans. Greg Johnson forced his way over showing great strength after a super break from Josh Jones. Gareth O Brien this time added the goal and Salford lead 18-12.

Salford were finding there feet and really had Warrington rattled. Another superb kick from Michael Dobson found Junior Sau for his second try leaping superbly to beat the wolves defence. O Brien again kicked the goal 24-12.

Salford were now carving Warrington up with enterprising rugby. Another thrilling break saw Gaz O Brien send Josh Griffin in at the corner. The kick was missed but Salford were well on top and looked comfortable 28-12 at half time.

Gareth O Brien kicked a penalty at the start of the second half to bring the 30 points up for Salford. Warrington were adding a bit of spice now.  Big Ben Murdoch Masila lost his cool. Justin Carney and Ben Currie were both sin binned and this seemed to knock the stuffing out of Salford at a critical time.

A great burst through from Josh Jones who flicked a nice pass to Robert Lui but he lost the ball in the tackle and then the Wolves responded!

Ryan Atkins went in for a try which Chris Sandow added the goal 30-18. The momentum of the game was shifting and Salford were starting to look tired after having to do lots of defending. Shortly after Warrington found another gear with a lovely teasing grubber kick from Chris Sandow allowed Ryan  Atkins to score. Kick was added and Warrington trailed 30-24. The Wolves kept attacking and  Ashton Simms raced over for a try. Chris Sandow kicked the goal and the scores were level 30-30!

The match was non stop action. Salford attacked the wolves and were unlucky not to receive a penalty in front of the posts but referee Chris Hicks was having non of it.

Warrington did however receive a penalty from quite a distance out but Chris Sandow missed. Salford attacked again through Michael Dobson who tried and failed with a  the drop goal. Next up Robert lui had a attempt at a drop goal but couldn't find the posts!

Into the last minute 30-30 You could cut the tension with a knife. The final play of the game Chris Sandow collected the ball 40 yards out and what from what seemed an impossible position some how kicked a drop goal as the crowd gazed on.

The hooter sounds as it passed through the posts! Warrington players danced with delight poor Salford players were reduced to virtual tears exhausted after a super human effort.

Ian  Watson had this to say after the defeat.

"We could have been smarter, we did the  right things in the 1st half, the 2nd half we were a bit shocked.  You never think the games won. We talked about getting back in control but its difficult when  you give a team a bit of a leg up.

We need to learn to win these games, we are a good team, if we play the way we can play we will trouble teams"

Just like last week it's a fantastic effort but to just come up short again it's a huge disappointment. For large spells Salford were the better side scoring some great tries.
Defence needs some work and things don't get easier with a tough trip to Castleford next Sunday.  Salford are making progress and the effort was there for all to see. Salford were unlucky again tonight but we will fight on

Final score Salford 30 Warrington 31.