Rugby league can be a cruel game sometimes today is no exception here is Paul Whiteside looking back at Salfords last gasp defeat v Wakefield.
Salford were looking to build on last weeks win travelled to Wakefield on what was a fairly warm afternoon with perfect playing conditions. The first real action of the game saw Lama Tasi sin binned for a dangerous tackle. Salford's twelve men defended well to hold Trinity out. The first points came from Gareth O Briens boot with a penalty goal
Referee Robert Hicks continued to hammer Salford with penalties allowing Wakefield to get there first points 2-2.
Jacob Miller and Sam Williams the Wakefield half backs began to get on top and Salford's goal line defence was sternly tested. More Wakefield penalties follow before Micheal Dobson was pulled out by Hicks and the Red Devil's were put on a team warning much to the anger of the away supporters. Moments later Logan Tomkins is very harshly sin binned. Wakefield are cautious and decide to take the two points 4-2.
The opening try comes after Salford are stretched with the extra man making the difference. Reece Lynne got over the line but Williams couldnt convert 8-2.
Ex Red Matty Ashurst ran really strong and made a good burst down the field. What looks like a nothing kick is not dealt with by O Brien and Greg Johnson as Jacob Miller pounced to stretch the lead. Kick was missed and Wakefield lead 12-2 at half time.
Trinity started to boss the second half with a clever kicking game. Mitch Allgood was held up over the line by fantastic Salford defence.
Kris Brining came off the bench and injected a real pace into Salford which lifted the whole team and the momentum of the match seems to swing. There was an instant impact with Robert Lui's superb short pass sending Ben Murdoch Masila over, O Brien kicks the goal 12-8.
Salford then go in to overdrive with 3 back to back tries. First Kris Whelham finishes brilliantly in the corner O Brien misses the kick. 12-12. From the kick off Salford attack and Niall Evalds makes a terrific break, the ball moves left to right and Greg Johnson finishes acrobatically in the corner. O Brien again can't convert 12-16.
Then Josh Jones makes a burst passing to George Griffin who juggles the ball but some how holds on to score. O Brien kicks this one to open up a ten point lead 12-22. A remarkable turnaround from Salford.
The Red Devil's made mistakes and it allowed Wakefield back into the game. Bill Tupou scored with 9 minutes remaining to set up a tense finish. Sam Williams kicks the goal and it was 18-22.
Another Salford mistake followed when a Trinity kick went through and Justin Carney came up with a costly error. The ball is moved out wide and with an over lap the lively Lyne gets his second try in the corner to tie the scores at 22-22 with two minutes remaining.
The Salford faithful hold there breath as Sam Williams kicked from the touch line. It's over and Wakefield lead 24-22.
The drama is not done yet though and Salford go looking for the win. Ben Murdoch Masila who's had a huge impact on his return to the side bursts through, with two men outside him he decides to go alone and plants the ball over the line. The Salford fans celebrate but referee Hicks waves the try away adjudging a knock on.
Seconds later the hooter sounds and its heart break for Salford. Ian Watson was bitterly disappointed after the game, stating some harsh calls cost us dear in the first half along with some poor play. Plenty to work on and be positive about as we play some super attacking rugby in that second half come back spell. Table toppers Castleford visit the AJ bell stadium next Sunday.
Final score Wakefield 24 Salford 22.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
Your listening to this weeks Devil in the detail podast, Simon Hindle joins the boys to talk all thiings Salford Red Devils and look at all the latest news coming from the club, We talk to new signing Todd Carney about how he has settled in at Salford and Junior Sau about his try scoring heroics in a Red shirt. Enjoy
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