Salford 14 Wigan 27 Match Report

Arguably Salford's biggest game since the 1998 semi final against Sheffield. The Red Devil's arrived at the Halliwell Jones stadium to take on Wigan. Victory would see Salford reach Wembley for the first time since 1969. This has been a dream for most of Salford's loyal band of supporters for decades. Form coming into this game has certainly dipped to say the least, but with key players returning anything could happen. 

Craig Kopczack was back in the starting line up along with new signing Manu Vatuvei. Robert Lui dropped out late in the week and Tyrone McCarthy made the bench.

From the kick off the Red Devil's forced a Wigan knock on in the opening set with some ferocious defence roared on by the huge following behind the sticks. 

Wigan winger Tom Davies came close in the early stages but was denied by the video referee. Oliver Gildart grabbed the opening try in the 9th minute with George Williams adding the goal 6-0. 

Wigan were now taking control as the lively Sam Tomkins broke down centre field. Moments later a penalty was awarded for interference Williams added the goal 8-0.

Willie Isa strolled in after some poor Salford defence. Williams missed with the goal 12-0 after 16 minutes!

A response was needed and we certainly got one! Lovely hands from Michael Dobson and Todd Carney created the space for Niall Evalds to send Greg Johnson in at the corner! Michael Dobson kicked off the touch line 12-6. 

Straight from the kick off Greg Johnson makes a thrilling break. Dobson's grubber kick is pin point for McCarthy to touch down. The video referee after much debate awards the try. Dobson's goal levels the scores at 12-12.

Lama Tasi leaves the field after what looked like a dangerous cannon ball tackle from Sam Powell. The incident goes on report but strangely no penalty awarded. Todd Carney responds with a huge 40-20 kick. Salford force a repeat set and pile the pressure on. Carney grubber kicks for Tyrone McCarthy who looks to be held back behind the in goal area by Sam Tomkins. 

The video referee says no try but Salford are awarded a penalty as Tomkins is sin binned for a professional foul. Dobson edges Salford in front 12-14. 

George Williams is lucky not to be sin binned after a real cheap shot on Kris Welham. A fantastic first half ends 12-14 to Salford.

Wigan started the second half on the front foot. Sam Tomkins causing havoc with his weaving runs,bursts through to send joe Burgess racing to the line. Some how Evalds tracks back to pull of an absolute wonder tackle. The video referee is called upon yet again and Evalds effort is rewarded, no try! 

Wigan continue to press but Salford defend well Welham forcing the dangerous Gildart in to touch. 

55 minutes in a dubious penalty for Wigan for a ball steal. Williams kicks the goal to level the scores at 14-14. 

Another Wigan penalty follows after what looked a great tackle from Lami Tasi. Williams how ever misses the kick. 

20 minutes to go as the heavens open the rain starts to pour down . The warriors break with Burgess kicking in field Mcllorum pounces to score. Williams goal 20-14.

Sam Tomkins then wisely slots over a drop goal 21-14.

Salford were not going to throw the towel and Todd Carney came up with another 40-20. Anthony Gelling was sin binned for dissent. Wigan would play the last ten minutes with twelve men. As the conditions got worse so did Salford's handling and the clock was against us. Gildart put the game to bed in the final minute with a try that made the final score a little harsh on Salford. Williams goal 27-14.

For Ian Watson the attention now turns to the super 8s. A tough trip to hull on Friday night awaits. Ian was proud of his sides effort today and so were the traveling supporters. Salford RLFC are certainly going in the right direction.

Final score at the Halliwell Jones stadium 

Wigan 27 Salford 14.

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devil's v Wigan Warriors Challenge Cup big match preview

On Sunday Salford Red Devil's take on Wigan Warriors in the challenge cup semi final in Warrington. A win will take Salford to Wembley. Check out Paul Parkin's big match preview below.

So here it is the big one, the match we’ve been waiting for, is it just me or does it seem we’ve been waiting months for this? The Challenge Cup Semi-final, a mouth-watering prospect but I feel I don’t really need to give it the big up or even much of a preview as I’m sure you’ve all imagined how the day and the game will go about a thousand times. One thing I do know that come kick off on Sunday there will be a wall of noise from near 5,000 proud Salford fans and boy will they know we’re there. Red Army.

Battle 1 – Ian Watson v Shaun Wane

Possible the biggest key battle I’ve written about, these two men, both of whom are native of the communities they represent an oddity, hold the key to which side will be walking out at Wembley next month. Master and apprentice maybe not but Shaun Wane holds a massive advantage when it comes to coaching teams in massive matches like this one but then as we’ve seen over the past two seasons Ian Watson has a few surprises up his sleeves and will have his troops fully prepared for this.

Battle 2 – Michael Dobson v Sean O’Loughlin

No, I realise they don’t play the same position and I haven’t gone mad but these two are likely to be the skippers on Sunday and both are massively influential to their sides. O’Loughlin has been there and seen it all in over 400 Wigan matches and will have the knowhow to guide Wigan around the park and instruct them where and when they are required. “Dobbo” has been massive for us this season and is a real leader to this young team, again a wealth of experience to call upon he could well be the key to our success.

Battle 3 – Todd Carney v George Williams

Well at the start of the season I said it can’t be bad having Todd Carney as your back-up half back and despite him maybe not hitting his straps to often in a red shirt Sunday is tailor made for him to express his bag of undoubtable tricks. Wigan won’t have seen much of him this season to judge what effect he’ll have on Salford but hey will know he has everything in his locker to turn in a man of the match performance. England international Williams has been magnificent in what has been a frustrating and injury hit campaign at the DW and he appears to have been impervious to the constant swapping and changing of personnel a real star now and for the future for me the real dangerman in the Wigan ranks.

Previous meetings 

Form guide

Leigh v Salford MATCH REPORT

Salford travelled to the Leigh sports village for there final match of the regular season. Sitting third in the league table the Red Devil's were on course for there highest league position in 41 years. A fourth place finish in 1980 and 5th in 2006 the highlights since the glory years of the mid 70s.

 On a really wet miserable night the rain poured down for most of the match making ball handling very tricky. Leigh started the game with a real gusto and plenty of enthusiasm. Greg McNally scoring from a set scrum to catch Salford cold out wide. Josh drinkwater added the conversation 6-0.

Michael Dobson then came up with an error, Ben Crooks unlucky not to score as he hacked a kick on but just ran out of room to ground the ball. 20 minutes in and the centurions doubled there advantage when Atela Vea charged over drinkwaters kick made it 12-0. 

Salford were really lacklustre and disjointed. It was a half of few chances with the amount of mistakes. Mitch Brown was pulled back for a forward pass to deny a third Leigh try. Then came a crucial point in the match. Salford's best chance with Ben Murdoch Masila breaking through finding Greg Johnson with a lovely pass, Greg looked inside for Dobson who put the pass down. Moments later soft defence out wide again allows Leigh centre Langi to score. Drinkwater kicks superbly off the touch line 18-0 at half time.

The second half didn't really get any better for Salford. Worryingly Robert Lui was helped from the field with an ankle injury in the 54th minute. Michael Dobson was working over time and perhaps trying a bit to hard a times. Nothing seemed to be coming off as knock ons early in the tackle count continued to scupper Salford's night. 

The first points of the second half came in the 74th minute when the excellent josh Drinkwater dropped a goal 19-0. In the final minute McNally scooped up a loose ball to chip over the stranded Ryan Lannon to race 50 yards under the posts for the try of the night. Drinkwater rounded off the points by tagging the conversation on 25-0.

A really disappointing night for Salford who now have over a week to prepare for a huge cup semi final against Wigan. Ian Watson was concerned with the form speaking after the match and could make changes next Sunday. 

Tyrone McCarthy and Manu Vatuvei will both train this week and be in contention. There could also be returns from other injuries so hopefully good news later in the week. All is not lost yet with next week and 7 super eight games to look forward to. The prospect of third place is now gone and only a big St. Helens win against Wakefield on Sunday would see a fourth place finish. 

Final score Leigh 25 Salford 0. 

Paul whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Check out our latest podcast below Gareth Walker from the Daily Mirror talking about Salfords season so far.

leigh v Salford big match preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Leigh Centurions in the final game of the regular super league season, a win for Salford would give them confidence ahead of the big challenge cup semi final next week. Paul Parkin looks at the facts, stats and who might be the match winners in this fascinating encounter.

So, we’re down to our final match of the “regular” season before the big split, which for the first time since this concept was introduced we’re on the right side of. Now the question is can we save our spot in the top 4 which in all honesty we deserve?, a feat not achieved since the 1979/80 season and possible finish where we start this round in 3rd which is even more of an effort and would only be the 15th time we’ve finished in the top 3 in our Rugby League playing history.

 As for Leigh, it’s been a struggle at times as the season has worn on, they started strongly but soon came to terms that Super League can be a real slog. However, they will be keen to do all they can not to sit bottom going in to the horrible matter of the middle eights, a win over the Red Devils and a Widnes defeat and they’ll manage it. 

The rivalry between the two clubs is long and colourful and you can add both club owners into that. Both sides coming of defeats, Salford away at Castleford and Leigh also in Yorkshire at Huddersfield. Leigh also have had the much-expected news of Jamie Acton who will now sit out most of the rest of the season.

Battle 1: Niall Evalds & Jake Bibby v Matty Dawson & Adam Higson

If last week told us anything it’s our defence on the flanks is, well let’s say in need of improvement… it became a little alarming at times how easily we were beaten out wide and I’m sure this is something the coach Ian Watson has put plenty of focus on this week in training and I’m also sure that Neil Dukes has looked at as a week spot in our armour and will be instruct his team to attack the wings as often as possible and with Dawson and Higson facing up against two non-wingers in Bibby and Evalds this will be a real test.

Battle 2: Logan Tomkins v Micky Higham & Eloi Pelissier

It may appear to be a bit unfair pairing up the Leigh combo against Logan but that’s the situation we have, Leigh have two out and out quality hookers in their squad for the match and both can cause plenty of damage from acting half. Salford on the other hand are missing Kris Brining who has been excellent for us this year and is a huge loss so responsibility rests with Tomkins who has been outstanding, his work rate is second to none, he’ll probably be rotated with Rob Lui who did well in that position last week but its unnatural for him to defend in that role which can be crucial so I expect Logan to do plenty of minutes.

Battle 3: Lama Tazi v Gareth Hock

Two big uncompromising men who will give no quarter, I’m looking forward to these two facing off against each other both strong runners and powerful defenders and both can be a little hot headed in the heat of the battle. We’ve seen what Hock can produce in his punctuated time with the Reds and Lama is in the form of his life putting in big minutes as well as big hits, if these two get stuck into each other stay out of the way!!

Head to head

Form

Check out our new show here for all the latest Salford Red Devil's news and chat. We are joined by The Daily Mirrors Rugby League correspondent Gareth Walker who give us his views on a whole range of rugby league topics, we look back at the Castleford defeat with Dan Murray and Rob Lui, reaction to the Tyrone McCarthy signing and loads more. Check it out here.

Castleford 38 Salford 14 Match report

Salford were beaten at high flying Castleford last night. Check out Paul Whiteside's match report here.

For the penultimate match of the regular season Salford faced a tough task away at Castleford. The Tigers were unbeaten at home going into the game and looking quite formidable. 

Niall Evalds came up with a mistake on the first set taking a tricky Luke Gale kick over the touch line. Castleford made it a repeat set with a penalty and Gales wide pass found top try scorer Greg Eden who touched down in the corner. Gale couldn't add the kick 4-0.

Salford hit back though when Michael Dobson's caught Eden out. Gareth O Brien came up with a lovely dummy to stride over. Dobson missed the kick 4-4.

Young Daniel Murray then came up with a fantastic try saving tackle as cas chanced there arm. 

The Tigers really were dominating the first quarter possession and territory wise. The pressure eventually told when Ben Roberts scored from a set scrum. Gale adding the kick 10-4

The Tigers then came up with some real quick flowing rugby and fast hands. Greg Eden again over in the corner. Video referee was called on and the try was awarded. Gales goal was good 16-4.

Salford showed grit and determination to fight back Niall Evalds raced 60yards on a thrilling break, Zak hardacker coming up with an important tackle to stop him. 

The Tigers then kicked a penalty goal to stretch there lead to 18-4.

Robert Lui playing at hooker skipped through the Castleford defence finding Kris Welham who went over. Dobson's goal got Salford back in the game 5 minutes before half time at 18-10.

Three minutes in to the second half came a real crucial moment. Fantastic ball movement from Salford Jake Bibby squeezed in at the corner only to be denied by the video referee. The Red Devil's were being punished heavily in the penalty count and another soft one  carried the Tigers down the short pitch. Michael Shenton put Joel Monaghan over to take the wind out of Salford's resistance. Gales goal extended the lead to 24-10. 

Zak Hardacker then raced over after a huge punch up started on the half way line. 30-10 after Gales goal.

Jake Bibby came up with an exceptional finish in the corner to lift the Red Devil's supporters spirits! Dobson's goal missed 30-14.

Niall Evalds was then denied a try by the video referee after the on field decision was in his favour. Another very harsh call on Salford to add to a frustrating night. Yet another penalty taking the count to 13-4 in Castlefords favour. Gale popped the goal over 38-14.

Weller Hauraki was sin binned in the closing stages as Luke Gale carried on assisting the referee as he had done all night. Some real solid displays in the forwards from young Murray and Jordon Walne have Ian Watson much to be positive about. Salford may have lost this battle but there is still a lot of exciting opportunities ahead of them this season! Next up is Leigh away next Friday.

 Final score at Wheldon Road Castleford 38 Salford 14.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Castleford Tigers v Salford Red Devils Big match preview

Salford Red Devil's travel to Castleford Tigers on Friday in a top of the table clash. Check out Paul Parkin's big match preview below.

Michal Dobson V Luke Gale

This will no doubt be the key battle and both players are the organisers of their teams. Both similar in there game styles it will be interesting who will come out on top with Dobson's kicking game being vital to the Devils and Gale's general attacking play for the Tigers. For me this battle will be the one to watch.

Mike Mckeenen V BMM

Big Ben had a really strong game last week and we will need him to be at his best against a very strong Tigers pack 

McMeeken has been an outstanding player for the Tigers since his arrival from the London Broncos. His performances this season show that he will be one player we need to target if we are to get the 2 points.

Gaz Obrien v Zak Hardaker 

Both dynamic fullbacks they are a very important attacking weapon and like to loop round their the field to create some magic out wide. Obrien after a brief period out of the side has been re positioned to Fullback and will be looking to make a impression. Hardaker is a game winner and will be looking to put in another 10/10 performance from fullback to keep the tigers form going.

Head to Head

Form guide

Salford v Leeds match report

Salford suffered a heavy defeat to Leeds Rhinos on a warm Sunday afternoon at the AJ Bell Stadium. Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

On a red hot day a mouth watering clash of rugby league was on the menu at the AJ Bell Stadium with second place Salford taking on third placed Leeds. The Rhinos were in good form with four wins in there last five games in all competitions. 

The Red Devil's were without the inspirational Mark Flanagan and Logan Tomkins, with Josh Wood coming in at hooker. 

It was young Wood who got the first try following a mistake from Leeds full back Jack Walker  Michael Dobson converted 6-0 after just three minutes. 

Carl Ablett came close for the visitors but his try was ruled out for a double movement. Ryan Hall powered his way to the line shortly after with Kalum Watkins converting to level the scores at 6-6. Leeds started to really up the anti forcing drop outs and building pressure. Junior Sau came up with a try saving tackle on Tom Briscoe after Niall Evalds had shot out of the line looking for the interception. 

Dobson's knock on centre field gave the Rhinos good field position and quick hands to Briscoe for a try. Watkins kick from the touch line hit the post 6-10.

It was now all one way traffic Leeds busting Salford down the middle with the Red Devil's having now answer to there power and pace. Watkins went over on the very next set this time adding the goal to open up a ten point lead. 6-16.

Five minutes later and Salford are carved up all to easy again this time Matt Parcell crossing the line, Watkins again adding the goal 6-22. 

Ten minutes before the break Junior Sau was sin binned for a high tackle on Watkins. The Rhinos made the extra man count instantly with Joel Moon grabbing a try. Jordan Lilly missed the kick 6-26. Jamie Jones Buchanan then went over Lilly goal 6-32. There was time for just one more before the interval with Danny McGuire placing a perfect kick behind Salford's defence for Briscoe. Lilly missed the goal but Salford had a huge task ahead of them 6-36 half time! 

Ben Murdoch Masila charged over in the early exchanges of the second half. Dobson's conversation making the score 12-36. Salford then huffed and puffed before Leeds took the sting out of the match on the hour mark when young Lilly kicked a penalty goal 12-38.

 Dobson worked tirelessly all game and was rewarded with a try on 64 minutes which he converted 18-38. The next set of six really summed up Salford's day when O Brien threw a real hospital pass to Lui who couldn't take it in deep in the Red Devil's half. The impressive Anthony mullally crossing for a try which Lilly converted 18-44. 

Murdoch Masila showed great strength to score his second try as he really looks unstoppable in the opponents 20 zone. Dobson added the goal to give the score a bit of respectability 24-44. Dobson then put a lovely weighted kick for Robert Lui who just couldn't gather over the try line. Leeds had the last word scoring on the hooter with jack walker. Lilly bringing up the 50 points with a kick off the touch line to rub salt in the wounds. 

A day to forget for Salford and how many of these have been against Leeds over the years. The two sides will meet again at least once more this year in the super eights. Ian Watson was bitterly disappointed after match with injuries to Kris Brining and Greg Johnson to deal with. An away trip to Castleford awaits next Friday where Ian and the lads will look to put things right. 

Salford 24 Leeds 50.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos Big Match Preview

Salford Red Devil's take on Leeds Rhinos at the AJ Bell Stadium this Sunday it's a big game Paul Parkin takes a look at both sides and what we have the look forward to on Sunday.

Well I’m not sure how I’m going to put into words how big this match is for both teams. This could be HUGE! For Salford a win in this could be (If tonight’s Wakefield v Cas game goes in our favour) confirmation of virtually a top 4 finish (crikey) with our superior points difference, still plenty of water to pass under the bridge yet mind. For Leeds well a win for them and like Salford could almost secure their finish in the 4. This is HUGE!

Battle 1: Rob Lui v Joel Moon

Two guys are bang in form right here, and both with magic in their hands (and feet). Rob Lui, new contract in pocket (relief for everyone involved) turned out another man of the match performance in last Sundays win over Huddersfield bagging himself a try in doing so, some of the stuff he produces is mesmerising at times especially for opposing defences. As for Moon, well we know only too well of his prowess, the guy is pure class (Except when making up stories of homesickness) quality in either centre or as has been the case recently at stand off his control of the play and chance creation is top drawer and with an eye for the try line with 14 this season. This could be the key battle of the match.

Battle 2: Michael Dobson v Danny McGuire

The two experienced heads in each camp here, both have seen it and done it at the top level for years. Dobbo our commandeering chief controls every aspect of our game , speeding it up or slowing us down when required, his kicking game last week was unbelievable at times popping up with 2 40/20’s. As for Danny McGuire what can be said his career had been packed with highlights and trophies, epic moments and quality tries. After serving a one match ban last week he’ll be more than up for breaking Salford hearts for the umpteenth time.

Battle 3: Junior Sa’u v Kallum Watkins

If life had have worked out differently these two could have been Salford centre partners but sadly for us that never happened. Junior has been in great form of late not only his trademark blockbusting runs but with plenty of four pointers 9 in the league alone so far this season and he made 155 meters last week to get us on the front foot. Kallum Watkins the former Salford ball boy looks back to his best and that’s pretty scary for every other team in Super League.  His speed and size are enough to cause problems but added to that some silky skills he’s a real star.

Form guide

Last 5 Home Super League Matches

Sunday 9th April 2016

Salford 14 Leeds 10

Sunday 12th April 2015

Salford 18 Leeds 28

Friday 25th July 2014

Salford 18 Leeds 22

Friday 9th August 2013

Salford 16 Leeds 42

Friday 16th March 2012

Salford 16 Leeds 56

Squad news