Huddersfield 20 Salford 30 Match Report

Salford got their 1st Super league victory of the season with a convincing win against the Huddersfields Giants. Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford travelled to Huddersfield in search of there first super league win. The Giants were in good spirits after there opening round win at Widnes. Salford's defence was strong in the opening exchanges as the Giants gained back to back penalties. The opening points come from Gareth O Brien after Salford decide to take the two points from a penalty. 0-2.

Danny Brough lead the Giants with a thundering 40/20 kick, Salford's defence was superb to force Huddersfield in to touch.

The Giants got their first points of the evening after a lovely looping pass from Ryan Brierley found Jermaine Mcgilvery. Brough miss the conversation 4-2.

 

Salford got the perfect response with clean crisp passing from Craig Kopzack, Michael Dobson and Gaz O Brien sending Junior Sau over. O Brien's kick was good and Salford lead 4-8.   Josh Jones put Greg Johnson away only for him to get caught close to the Giants line. Salford now piled the pressure on. Huddesfield and the last action of a very tight first half was a Salford penalty. Again the two points are taken by Obrien and Salford lead at  half time 4-10.

A near perfect first set of six tackles started the second half with Michael Dobson kicking a 40/20. Salford were razor sharp from the resulting tap and Gaz O Brien raced over for a try! The extras were added and the lead was now 4-16 Salford.

The Red Devil's seem in complete control. Kris Welham is impressive on his debut and out of nothing produced a sublime grubber kick allowing Greg Johnson to pounce on the ball over the line. Referee James Child consults the video replay and Johnson was denied for being a fraction in touch. This seems to set alarm bells of for the Giants as they score two back to back tries from Alex Mellor who shows real pace to finish well! Brough added one conversation to peg Salford back to 14-16. 

Huddersfield start to look for the knock out punch but Salford are made of stern stuff this season and soaked up  all the pressure before Kris Welham races away with an interception. He was caught but Salford were quick with ball in hand and were over again with O Brien to give themselves some breathing space. The kick from Gareth is superb right off the touch line and Salford lead 14-22.

Huddersfield hit back with ten minutes remaining to set up a nervous finish. Ukuma Tai powered over. Brough adds the two points 20-22. Michael Dobson was outstanding once again managing the game all evening he forced a drop out with a clever kick. Josh Jones was like a pinball bumping off countless defenders showing unbelievable strength to make the game safe with a try. O Brien who was faultless in attack, defence and with the boot all evening makes it 20-28 with a successful conversion. As the clock counted down Salford wisely kick a penalty goal to rub salt in the Giants wounds! A pulsating second half finished Huddersfield 20 Salford 30.

 

A great night for the traveling army of Salford supporters who sang there hearts out and really were the 18th man. Leeds are up next at Headingly next Friday. A place where Salford have won twice in the last 40 years 1977 and 2009. After last nights showing the confidence is there for us to get the result against the loiners.

Pictures by Steve McCormick



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