Salford 36 Huddersfield 20 match report

Salford got back to winning ways with a convincing win 36-20 against Huddersfield. Read all about it here as Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford returned to league action at the AJ Bell Stadium with the visit of in form and ever improving Huddersfield. The Giants had won four and drawn one of there last six games running up some big scores. The visitors boast a good record at Salford since we left the willows having won four out of there six visits. A win for the Red Devil's would see us back second in the table and after three league defeats on the trot Ian Watson and the team knew this game was vital. 

It wasn't the best start for Salford with Gareth O Briens kick off going out on the full. Shortly after Ben Murdoch Masila and Logan Tomkins picked up head injuries leaving the field for assessments. Leroy Cudjoe got the opening score for the visitors on the back of a mistake a few plays earlier from O Brien. Danny Brough added the goal 0-6.

Kris Brining then left the field with a nasty cut to the head, Ian Watson had to shuffle things around best he could. Michael Dobson was back in the halves with Robert Lui and it was luis teasing kick that forced a drop out. Superb ball movement and quick hands saw Junior Sau score his 8th try of the season. Dobson's kick levelled the scores 6-6.

Five minutes later Lui weaved his magic yet again stepping his way to the line showing great strength to touch down. Dobson's kick again was good 12-6.

On the very next set things got even better for Salford with a try right out of the top drawer. Good work from the hard working Josh Jones followed by a swashbuckling run from Masila. The big man sets Greg Johnson away who then sends a peach of a pass to Kris Welham who races under the posts for one of the tries of the year! Dobson tags the two points on 18-6. 

The Giants hit back with an excellent 40/20 kick from Brough and on the next play they have the numbers for Aaron Murphy to touch down in the corner. Brough missing the kick 18-10. 

Two minutes before half time Salford opt to kick for goal from a penalty well within Dobson's range, but it drifts wide.

18-10 half time.

Salford start the second half with real purpose blitzing the Giants with four tries in 11 minutes. Gareth O Brien showing a touch of class to ghost over Dobson kick missing. On the next set Junior Sau powered over for his second this time Dobson's kick hit the very top of the post which is probably quite hard to do and very rare. Greg Johnson then strolled in from a Murdoch Masila pass before Big Ben himself crashed over on the back over another Dobson 40-20 his second of the match. Dobson's goal kicking being a bit patchy this afternoon.

 Salford were now turning on the style though having opened up a 36-10 lead. The Giants didn't throw the towel scoring two tries themselves in the final 14 minutes from kruise leeming and Darnell McIntosh. This how ever was Salford's day a real solid display and the victory takes them to second in the super league table. 

Assistant coach Willie Poaching was delighted after the match with the spirit and hard work of the side. Logan Tomkins and Mark Flanagan picked up injuries and will be assessed tomorrow. It's all about recovery now for the Red Devil's with a huge game against third placed Leeds at the AJ bell stadium next Sunday. The games and coming thick and fast but this group of players that Salford RLFC have are thriving on it. How far can these lads go who knows?? It's going to be a very exciting ride to find out! 

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Huddesfield Giants Big Match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Huddersfield Giants on Sunday at the AJ Bell Stadium. It's a big game for both sides. Check out Paul Parkins big match preview here for all the build up.

Now this could be a real significant moment for both teams season. For Salford it has to be a must win if we’re to achieve a top 4 finish. After slipping to 3 consecutive league losses the chasing pack is closing in and we now sit only just 2 points ahead of fifth placed Wakefield and with only 2 home games remaining. Watto will be keen to end the regular season well. As for the Giants they’ve been on a pretty impressive run of form taking 9 points out of a possible 12 over the past 6 matches scoring 187 points and only conceding only 89. However its not all good news for them after losing in form full back Jake Mamo to injury. As far as we’re aware (at the time of writing) Salford have no fresh injury concerns.

I fancy we’re in for a cracker.

Battle 1 Michael Dobson v Danny Brough

Possibly THE key battle in the story of this match. These two maestros have the potential to craft out a win for their respective sides. Dobson was a sorely missed component in last weeks heart-breaking defeat to Saints, with him on the park you have to feel his leadership and mastery would have stabilised our ship when the pressure came. As for Brough what can we say that hasn’t already been said a thousand times, a complete maverick, genius one minute a brain explosion the next, unpredictable to say the least but when on form easily one of the best around.

Battle 2 Ben Murdoch-Masila v Sebastine Ikahihfo

Two massive men up against each other here, both will give their sides plenty of go forward and the opposition a heap of problems. BMM has been unbelievable this season but last week St Helens did a real job in stopping him and he’ll have a huge point to prove. As for Auckland born Ikahihfo is an absolute wrecking ball of a runner often scuttling players left right and centre. These two will be exciting to watch unless you’re the one they’re running at!

Battle 3 Josh Jones v Leroy Cudjoe

Two players that need no introduction. Josh uncompromising running style often causes teams problems and I’m sure he’ll be geared up for this confrontation against the experienced Cudjoe, the guy has been there and see it and is a huge influence on his troops. A huge threat going forward and with a very dangerous offload that can create space and opportunities for his wing man.

Head to Head

Form guide

St Helens 25 Salford 24 Match Report

 

Last night Salford suffered late heartbreak as Ex Red Matty Smith prouduced a stunning late drop goal to snatch the points for the Saints. Paul Whiteside looks back at the late drama which unfolded at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The last time Salford won away at St Helens The pretenders were number one in the charts, a pint of beer was 33 pence  and US president Jimmy Carter was about to announce his country's boycott of the Olympic Games! January 1980 a Kevin Ashcroft drop goal the difference in a 17-18 victory at Knowsley road.

 37 year later Salford are riding high in the table and in their first cup semi final since 1998 they took on a St. Helens side who have there own desires to make the top four. 

The opening ten minutes were tight with defences on top. Salford got the first points from Todd Carneys penalty goal. 0-2. Shortly after Mark Flanagan hits a crash ball only to be denied a try by superb saints defence. 

The home side took the lead in the 24th minute when Matty Smith opened the Red Devil's defence with a smart dummy. Mark Percival adding the goal 6-2. 5 minutes later saints stretch the lead with a penalty after Kris Welham was penalised for a high tackle. 8-2. 

 

Saints first half defence is almost faultless until the hooter sounds then a speculative Carney kick is fumbled allowing Niall Evalds to pounce under the posts. Carneys kick levels the scores at half time. 8-8.

Whatever Ian Watson said to his players at half time had a great effect. Salford coming out with renewed energy and gusto, Josh Jones following up his own kick to trap Saints in goal forcing a drop out. Lui and Evalds combine to send Greg Johnson over for a super Salford try in the corner. Carney hits the post with the conversation attempt 8-12. 

The Red Devil's continue to work hard in defence with some good solid sets. Carneys kicking game pinning the saints back in there own half. The Australian really starts to take control of the game. 

 

The excellent Kris Brining with a rip roaring run provides the stage for Lui to work some magic dancing his way over the line to open up a gap for Salford. Carneys goal is good 8-18.

Saints first real chance of the second half is snuffed out by Lui who's excellent tackle denies young Regan Grace a try. 

Salford's next try comes after 3 successive drops out grind saints down. Niall Evalds finishes superbly off Todd Carneys pin point kick. Carneys goal is tagged on 8-24.

As the game approaches the final ten minutes the Red Devil's seem on course for a famous win. James Roby comes up with a quick fire score which Percival converts 14-24. 

Moments later Theo Fages forces a drop. The pressure starts to build as Saints throw caution to the wind. Grace spins out of Johnsons tackle to crash over in the corner. Percival can't convert 18-24. With just two minutes remaining saints break again with Matty smith. Johnny lomax completes a famous comeback with a try under the posts. Percival converts to level the scores 24-24 with a minute remaining. 

Salford defend a set from the kick off as a draw seems the likely result. As the hooter sounds Robert Lui puts a kick through in a crazy situation.  Matty Smith comes up with possession to drop a goal from 40 yards out as a great escape is completed with Salford snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. 

 

Ian Watson was bitterly disappointed after the game with the last ten minutes of the match. Salford need to learn to close games like this down especially as the business end of the season will soon be on us. After a pulsating roller coaster second half the long wait continues for Salford. Final score 

St. Helens 25 Salford 24.

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail. All the latest Salford Red Devil's news and chat. Ryan Wilkinson joins us to talk about the latest challenge cup ticket news, BBC radio Manchester's Phil Kinsella on the next step for Salford and lots more Salford chat. Tune in here 

St Helens v Salford Red Devils big match preview

 

Salford travel to St Helens after securing a challenge cup semi final last week. Paul Parkin looks forward to the game. Read his big match preview below.

Well can we finally do it, break our St Helens away day hoodoo? Its been a very long 37 year wait and we are well over due. 

Salford come into the game on the back of a very important and much moral boosting quarter final win against Wakefield next week to set up the semi final against Wigan, Saints on the other hand were involved in the only Super League fixture last weekend and came out on the wrong side of the 24-16 score line and will be looking to bounce back and get there top 8 charge back on track. A famous win for the Reds would help our top four finish hopes alive.

 

It’ll be an interesting night for these guys Matty Smith, Theo Fages, Tommy Lee, Mark Flanagan, Josh Jones, Lami Tasi  & Gareth O’Brien.

 

Battle 1 – Kris Welham v Mark Percival

These two guys are in really hot form right now and this will be an intriguing battle. Welham has impressed all season with some great creative work in attack both scoring himself and in setting up tries for the guys around him. 

In Percival Saints must have the best British centre doing the rounds at the moment. A real quality player who can create something from nothing, plenty of pace and power for his tender age a real star of the game.

 

Battle 2 – Lama Tasi v Alex Warmsley

The battle of the big men in the front row this one, both these units will give their respective team plenty of go forward and impact runs to get them moving.

 Tasi will have a point to prove against the side he took a sabbatical with last season and looks reborn in the Red shirt this year. Warmsley is a forward who has had a huge impact since joining St Helens back in 2013 and will take some stopping. Oddly enough both players are the same age so its a decent comparison.

 

Battle 3 – Mark Flanagan v Jon Wilkin

Two great mates who will leave all friendliness at the coffee shop by the time kick-off arrives. Two vastly experienced players who have appeared in some huge games in the past but not too often on opposite sides. These two have all the knowhow and experience to lead their troops around the park and come up with some very telling plays of their own.

 

 

Last 5 Meetings

30th March 2017

Salford 22 St Helens 14

13th May 2016

St Helens 34 Salford 20

11th February 2016

Salford 44 St Helens 10

5th June 2015

St Helens 32 Salford 12

12th February 2015

Salford 6 St Helens 52

 

 

Your listening to this weeks podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat here. Ryan Wilkinson joins the boys to talk about the big news of the week including Challenge cup ticket information. Rob Lui Michael Dobson Greg Jonson and Mark Flanagan look back at the win v Wakefield with Watto in coaches corner. 

Phil Kinsella from BBC radio Manchester talks about Salfords season so far. Paul Whiteside looks back at the results and fixtures for our amateur sides as we preview the game against St Helens on Friday

salford v wakefield cup match report

 

Salford Red Devil's are in the semi final of the Challenge cup after a great win against Wakefield. Paul Whiteside with all the Details.

After two successive league defeats Salford were looking for a response in the challenge cup quarter final and they certainly got one! 

 

Ian Watson made changes with Niall Evalds replacing Gareth O Brien at full back, Greg Johnson and Mark Flanagan also retuned to the side. 

The Red Devil's started at a frantic pace piling pressure on opponents Wakefield Trinity. The dreadknoughts had beaten Salford in both league encounters but couldn't live with Ian Watson's men tonight! Ryan Lannon opened the scoring with a try off Micheal Dobson's off load 7 minutes in. Dobson converted 6-0. Five minutes later Ben Murdoch Masila hit a nice pass like an express train to steam over! Dobson again converted 12-0. 

 

The home side continued to dominate with Dobson and Lui managing the game perfectly! Trinity struggled to gain any real possession and field position due to Salford's ferocious defence. 

Mid way through the first half Dobson added a penalty goal to nudge the score to 14-0. Four minutes from the break Niall Evalds worked some real magic to step his way to the line. Dobson converted to complete a near perfect half 20-0.

The second half was just as intense from the Red Devil's. in the early stages Dobson's high kick was allowed to bounce by trinity full back Scott Grix, Mason Caton brown was trapped in goal. Murdoch Masila turned provider to send Greg Johnson over in the corner, Dobson's conversion hits the post. 24-0

Moments later the game is put beyond doubt when Craig Kopczak charges over the line showing great desire and determination. Dobson adds the goal 30-0.

Robert Lui then summed the night up for Salford by coming up with a try saving tackle on Caton brown. With 15 minutes remaining Lui received a standing ovation from the Salford faithful as he's replaced by Todd Carney. Kris Welham came close late on but was held up over the line. Wakefield eventually got on the score board in the 73rd minute with Liam Finns try and goal 30-6! 

 

Tonight belonged to Salford a terrific all round performance. Ian Watson was delighted with his players in particular the returning Mark Flanagan who had a tremendous match in attack and defence. The glue that holds the team together.

 Our first semi final since 1998 is something to savour but being a while down the track Salford will be focusing on next weeks trip to St Helens! 

The supporters are dreaming of Wembley and why not. The way this group of players have performed this season anything is possible and anyone can be beaten! A great win tonight but the manner of the victory is probably most pleasing for the supporters. The Red Devil's were ruthless and calculated in attack and defence from minute 1 to 80. 

Salford 30 Wakefield 6.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's chat. We are joined by Mark Scallan who takes us through the news stories of the week, Watto, Koppy, Sa'u and Tasi talking all things Salford and loads more to enjoy tune in here.

Salford v Wakefield big match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Wakefield at the AJ Bell stadium on Thursday in the challenge cup and it promises to be a great game. Paul Parkin takes a look at both sides as we gear up for a cracking cup tie.

 

Who would have thought at the start of the season that this game would be contested by these two sides.Both coached by great young BRITISH managers who are proving that it's not about names it's about ability. This should be a cracker of a game with the victor taking another step towards Wembley.

  Battle 1 Niall Evalds & Jake Bibby v Ben Jones-Bishop & Mason Caron-Brown

 

With both teams playing an expansive stacking style of rugby these guys are sure to be key. For the Red Devil's we've got two wingers bang in form. Jake Bibby has been in great form this season scoring tries and working hard for the team. Nial on the other flank has taken the opportunity of Justin Carney's departure with both hands scoring tries in his last 5 matches. The Wakefield double act are both well known to Reds fans, Jones-Bishop & Caton-Brown have been flying recently and are a real handful for any opponents. Any of these lads could prove to be game winners.

 

Lama Tasi v Craig Huby

Again, this week my focus has been drawn to the front row battle, both side have plenty of big men but these two are vital. Lama has been magnificent so far, this season looking refreshed, eager and happy back with the Reds after his “sabbatical” with Saints. This guy knows how to hit and hit hard not someone you want lining up against you, his go forward it first class and with his quick play-the-ball helps to set up positions for the backline to manipulate. Huby has a wealth of experience and was a very shrewd buy by Trinity when they snapped him up from Huddersfield. I can recall many a time during his time with Castleford he caused us heaps of problems and I’m sure he will again on Sunday.

  Craig Kopczak v Keegan Hurst

 

A battle between the big men up front is always important  The Reds  are blessed to have someone of the quality, work rate and heart of “Koppy” his experience and full blooded performance was a reason why he swept up all the accolades last season and the affable big fella is having another tremendous season leading the pack. For Wakefield, Keegan Hurst proved considerable size and power to their pack, always makes good yardage and will be testing Salford all evening.

  Squads

 
 
Your listening to this weeks podcast all the lastest news and Salford Red Devil's chat, this week Mark Scallan joins us to talk about the big news of the week, Koukash, contract extensions and more New Signing Junior Sa'u, Lami Tasi, Tod Carney and Craig Kopczak react to the Hull defeat with Ian Watson as we preview the Wakefield game Tune in.

match report

  

Salford served up a sluggish performance against Hull FC last night. Paul Whiteside takes you through all the action.

Salford were back in action tonight at the AJ Bell stadium with 5th place Hull the visitors. Another slow start from the Red Devil's gave the hull the lead as Talanoa touched down off a clever kick from Jake Connor. Things got worse in the 18th minute for Salford when Liam Watts charged through a huge gap to put Albert Kelly under the posts. Connor converted 0-10.

Salford were starting to struggle to put anything together coming up with errors in their own half.

Just after the first quarter Todd Carney is introduced with Salford now playing with three pivots as Dobson and Lui are already out there. A loose Carney pass ends up behind O Brien and Sau, Kelly hacks the ball forward soccer style to finish superbly. Connors conversation giving the visitors a 0-16 lead. 

 

Salford are desperate for points and came close when Niall Evalds has a try ruled out for a forward pass. Referee Ben Thaler seems to miss a forward pass from Hull and a few plays later Danny Washbrook scores from close range. Salford's defence really out of sorts. Connors conversation giving the away side a 0-22 half time lead. 

The Red Devil's get the first points of the second half when Kris Welham sends Evalds over in the corner. Dobson converts well off the touch line to give the home support hope. This is pretty much short lived though as on the next set Welham is forced into touch by the tenacious hull defence. The price is paid with Carlos Tuimavave touching down out wide. Connor again kicks a real difficult conversation 6-28.

 

It seems to be one of those nights for the Red Devil's when a loose pass from Welham is pouched by Jamie Shaul and he races 80 meters to score in the corner. Jake Bibby desperately chasing in defence just couldn't get there. Connor adds the goal to put the game firmly beyond Salford at 6-34. 

With 15 minutes remaining Todd Carney sent Weller Hauraki over. O Brien failed to convert 10-34. A very disappointing night for Salford who still stay second in the league table with a welcome break in the challenge cup quarter final next Thursday coming up will look to get there season back on track.

 

 Ian Watson wasn't to down hearted after the match and knows there is work to be done. You get the feeling that next weeks clash with Wakefield is going to be pivotal and will have a huge bearing on the rest of the season. 

Salford 10 Hull 34

Pictures by Steven McCormick 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast we talk all things Salford Red Devil's with Richad Lowe, interviews with Kris Brining, Logan Tompkins and Ian Watson too. Enjoy 

Big match preview Salford v Hull FC

Paul Parkin looks forward to Salford v Hull FC on Friday. It's a vital game for both sides read his preview here.

So we go into another massive clash this Friday with the two teams coming off very different results last time out. For Salford, it was a disappointing day at the office against a well drilled Wakefield side (The first to do the double over us this season) losing our long uneaten run. As for the Airlie Birds the won a topsy-turvy tussle against Wigan winning 39-26 with goal kicking being the major difference and that without the kicking of Marc Sneyd!

I think this game will prove to be very tight and if our Super League history is anything to go by then expect a nail biter. Average home super league score over 18 matches is Salford 22 Hull FC 23

 

Battle 1

Gareth O’Brien v Jamie Shaul

These two will no doubt have a huge influence on which side takes the spoils this week, both are very adept at joining into the attack with devastating effect. Gareth has been eagerly watched by opposing defences in recent weeks as his threat is now a crucial factor in our fantastic season. Shaul is a very exciting player, plenty of pace and an elusive running style he’ll surely pose us a major headache.

Both players must be hugely unlucky not to have been included in the England train on squad.

 

Battle 2

Rob Lui v Albert Kelly

The two magicians of their respective sides, the two who could well hold the key to victory. Both players are mavericks with unconventional ways of playing. Rob has been in some fantastic form this year setting up much of what has been good for Salford and has developed a great understanding with Michael Dobson. Albert Kelly made the short but treacherous trip across the City of Hull last season and boy has it paid off, he’s made many eye-catching appearances and scored some scintillating tries a real game winner for FC.

  Battle 3

 

Ben Murdoch-Masila v Liam Watts

Now for the grunt up front. Both these men have been in impervious form this season and will lead their sides up the park. BMM has been a real sensation this year causing teams no end of problems and crossing the whitewash with alarming regularity. Watts is a real warrior, uncompromising, tough, solid and dependable. The experienced Prop lead by example for the Hull side and puts his hand up for more work both in attack and defence.

 

Stats

 

Form

Team news

 

 

Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all your Salford Red Devil's news and chat, we are joined by Richard Lowe who helps us look at all the big news coming from the club, Rob Lui, Jake Bibby, Logan Tomkins and Kris Brining look back at the Wakefield defeat with Ian Watson in coaches corner 

Paul looks at the results and fixtures of the local amateur clubs in the area as we look forward to the Hull FC game on Sunday.