Salford secured another league win to keep their journey to the top 8 on course with victory against Widnes. Paul Whiteside with all the details.
Salford Red Devil's were back in league action today with the visit of Widnes Vikings. The visitors had seen big improvements in recent weeks with a good home win against St Helens last Friday. Salford gave a debut to young forward Daniel Murray and Niall Evalds returned at full back for the injured Gareth O Brien. The other significant change came on the wing were Jake Bibby took Justin Carneys place.
The first 20 minutes were a tight affair Evalds was great under the high ball and also looking very sharp in attack. The Salford defence was looking really solid. Adam Walne and Lami Tasi coming up with some huge hits. The half way point sees the introduction of Kris Brining and Craig Kopczack.
There is an instant impact with Brinings sharpness at the play the ball and good distribution, Ben Murdoch Masila is over for the first try. Michael Dobson adds the goal 6-0. Widnes are not really offering much in attack but a lot of that is down to Salford's excellent defensive work.
Kris Welham is proving to be a nightmare for opposing defences when his fantastic kick through finds the speedy Greg Johnson who races in. Dobson gets the luck with the conversation in off the post 12-0.
Joe Mellor the Widnes stand off looks the most likely to break the Salford resistance. The Red Devil's goal line defence stays firm. Just before the break Michael Dobson was taken off for a concussion assessment.
The second half opens up with another great piece of full back play from Evalds who seems to be growing in confidence taking everything the vikings throw at him.
Widnes get the first points of the second half after just four minutes keeping the ball alive on the last tackle. Half back Tom Gilmore scores the try and adds the extra two 12-6.
Next up sees a real piece of magic from Robert Lui. His sublime reverse kick finds Niall Evalds who darts over for a well deserved try. Dobson kicks the goal to edge Salford further in front at 18-6.
Salford's attack is starting to click in to gear and another flash kick through from Dobson looks to find Evalds who's pace is frightening. The bounce just Evalds him to deny what would of been a sensational score.
The Vikings though were not for giving in. Patrick Ah Van crashing over in the corner with 17 minutes to go. Gilmore fails to convert 18-10.
Michael Dobson kicked a penalty goal on the 68th minute 20-10. The final ten minutes however belonged to Salford. Lama Tasi busts right through the heart of the vikings in another thrilling attack. Dobson's clever kick forces a drop out. The pressure is to much for the Vikings and Lui's pass finds Masila who charges to the line carrying three defenders over showing sheer power! The crowd are on there feet as Dobson kicks the goal 26-10.
The final action sees Jake Bibby in the right place at the right time taking Josh Jones offload to score. The youngster was excellent all afternoon showing real strength going forward and was brilliant under the high ball in defence. Dobson goal hits the post 30-10.
Another solid display from Salford. Ian Watson was happy with how the young players had dealt with the pressure. Without pack stars lee Mossop and George Griffin the young Devils Daniel Murray and Ryan Lannon showed there is competition for places throughout this squad.
A huge game away at Wigan is next up next Friday. It's 20 years since Salford won that particular away fixture. The way this side are playing though it should be a great night. It's back up to third place in the table.
Salford 30 Widnes 10.
Paul Whiteside
Pictures by Steve McCormick
Your listening to this weeks DITD here all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we look back at the Toronto match with Ian Watson. All the big news of the week regarding Salford is covered and we talk to Olsi Krasniqi and Craig Kopczak too. Enjoy
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