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