Salford returned to the AJ Bell stadium looking to bounce back from last weeks defeat against Leigh. Hull KR were tonight's visitors in what was a must win game for both sides. Rovers started brightly and with early pressure scored the opening try through Josh Mantellato who converted off the touch line 0-6.
Michael Dobson again working very hard puts in a good kick chase to force a drop out. George Griffin comes up with the error and knocks the drop out on. Hull KR take advantage as Albert Kelly puts in a clever grubber kick for James Greenwood to pounce on. Rovers lead is extended to 12 as Mantellato converts the try. Salford are making unforced errors this time Greg Johnson knocks on from a drop out. 16 minutes in and Mantellato kicks a penalty to edge Rovers further ahead 0-14.
Rovers are doing the basics right running and tackling harder. The Salford supporters finally have something to cheer in the 22nd minute as Robert Lui's superb pass finds Mason Caton Brown who finishes brilliantly to squeeze in at the corner. Gareth O Brien misses the goal 4-14. Another Salford mistake and this time Ben Cockayne takes full advantage of the free play kicking through twice. Rovers force a drop out and Salford concede a penalty within range which Mantellato boots over 6-16.
Albert Kelly is really controlling the game with some great kicking, this time he puts a 40/20 kick to peg Salford deep in there own half with defending to do. The Red Devils are caught cold at the scrum as the ball is moved wide and Ken sio breezes over. Another good kick from Mantellato 4-22. Some light relief right on the hooter when Gareth o Brien kicks a penalty to make the half time score Salford 6 Hull KR 22.
A positive start is needed to the second half but when Greg Johnson knocks on returning the ball from the kick off the Salford faithful must fear the worst. This time the defence is better as the danger passes. Junior Sau desperate to get back in the game chases a real lost cause to force a scrum ten yards from the rovers line. Salford attack desperate for points but Ben Murdoch Masila agonisingly loss the ball over the line.
With half an hour remaining o Brien scores a try and converts it to give a ray of hope 12-22. Salford's night is summoned up when o Brien knocks on from the kick off to put Rovers back on the front foot. Another penalty is conceded, Mantellato has no hestitation and kicks the goal 12-24. 20 minutes remain as Salford pile pressure on but the hull KR defence is very good and matches every move.
The Red Devils attack is predictable and the important plays are telegraphed. The visitors are managing the game the right way and Albert Kelly turns the screw 14 minutes from time with a drop goal 12-25. Salford beaten in every department tonight concede another try again Kelly the creator. Another cruel grubber kick as Thomas Mimms makes it look all to easy scoring the try.
Nothing flash from hull KR but the deserved everything they got tonight. The Salford players look shattered as the hooter sounds! All is not lost with four games still to play but what effect will this result have on the Salford players?. Two weeks to turn things around with Leeds away a tough prospect up next. A very disappointing night finished Salford 12 Hull KR 29. Paul Whiteside away day red
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