There was a real buzz in the air at the AJ Bell stadium as league leaders Castleford tigers visited! Castleford were top of the table after 4 wins beating Leigh,Warrington,Leeds and Widnes all quite convincingly with lots of points posted! The pundits had made the Tigers very strong favourites during the week.
It was a cagey opening as both sides tested each other out. Castleford opened the scoring when Luke Gales high kick was allowed to bounce by Greg Johnson, Gale followed up to score a simple try and slotted the conversation over 0-6.
Salford's first real chance arrived but O Briens kick through is just to long for Junior Sau and went dead in goal. Both defences are on top not giving much away.
After 29 minutes Robert Lui forced a drop out with a neat grubber kick. Mark Flanagan grafting as usual finds Lui with a great pass, Lui feeds Ben Murdoch Masila who hits a superb line to crash over in the corner. O Brien misses the kick 4-6.
With the clock counting down to half time Salford are penalised for not playing the ball correctly. The Tigers piled on the pressure but Salford's goal line defence is excellent.
Greg Johnson does well to palm the ball dead from a dangerous kick. Cas attack from the drop out with Micheal Shenton putting Greg Eden in but referee Phil Bentham blows for a forward pass. Half time 4-6.
The first points of the second half come fairly early as Junior Sau loses the ball in centre field. Greg Minikin takes Salford's defenders over the line with him to score a strange try! Michael Dobson seemed to drag the cas man over the line. Gales kick from the touch line is good to nudge the Tigers further ahead at 4-12.
Surely another try for the Tigers would clinch the match but next came a real turning point. Robert Lui puts a huge kick up causing panic at the back for cas. Zak hardacker throws a leg at it, it bounces kindly and Salford regather. The Red Devil's pile the pressure on as there roared on by the home support. Murdoch Masila takes the ball forward, looks like there is nothing on but he powers through towards the line. There is a cheer from the crowd as he gets the ball down, referee Bentham awards the try and the stadium erupts! O Brien kicks the goal 10-12.
Salford have got Castleford on the ropes and force the Tigers to knock on with some tenacious defence! Adam Walne, Lee Mossop and Masila were outstanding! Olsi krasniqi and George Griffin also put big shifts in! Olsi landing on his front with quick play the balls for Kris Brining and Logan Tomkins to inflict some damage.
With 15 minutes remain the match was on a knife edge. Substitute Todd Carney prowled the touch line waiting for his chance. Bentham awards Salford a penalty bang in front of the sticks! The screams of take the two reverb round the stadium! O Brien does just that and the scores are level at 12-12!
The clock counts down as both sides start to think about a drop goal. The desire in defence from Salford is relentless and cas make the mistake! This was the time for Salford to strike! Three minutes remain Gareth O Brien gets in range and calmly slots the drop goal. Salford lead 13-12!
Inevitably cas try a short kick off but the Red Devil's are wise to it and play their set out. The Tigers get one more shot and come charging forward! Salford pressure Gale and Paul McShane the likely drop goal merchants! The relief round the stadium is deafening as Micheal Dobson pounces on the loose ball and he hoofs the ball in to touch as the full time hooter sounds! Coming back from 4-12 down against Super Leagues form team shows how far this team has progressed! The team spirit and desire is there for all to see!
In a week where Ian Watsons new contract had been mentioned the team did him proud today! Ian was delighted after the game praising the defence and the way Luke Gale was dealt with. Salford will now look to build on today when they visit Widnes vikings next Friday! Final score Salford 13 Castleford 12!
Paul Whiteside
Pictures by Steve McCormick
Check out this weeks Devil in the Details for all your latest Salford Red Devils chat and news, this week we have update from the latest fans forum with CEO Ian Blease,, Phil Cooper and Ex Salford player Paul Highton talk about the new magic weekend shirt and State of mind project designed to help ex players and people in the local community and Ian Watson is in Coaches corner to talk us through the defeat against Wakefield.
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