A injury hit Salford continued to struggle last night, after another defeat this time against Wigan. Paul Whiteside looks back at the game.
Salford travelled to the DW Stadium for there third match of the super eights. Wigan were in really good form going in to the match. Salford how ever we're struggling with just one win in the last ten league games. The Red Devil's knew a win would put them right back in top four contention. Despite poor form this just shows how far Salford have come this season and how good the early part of the season was.
In the early exchanges Salford started brightly forcing a Wigan error and with three sets on the warriors line. No points were posted though as the hosts held firm. Seven minutes in Wigan got the first try Sean O Loughlin pounced on a neat Tomkins grubber kick. Three minutes later a Manu Vatuvei mistake deep in his own half gave Wigan another opportunity and from a set scrum the ball was worked blind side. Super centre play from Oliver Gildart putting winger Joe Burgess over. George Williams converted both tries to put Wigan 12-0 up after 10 minutes.
Vatuvei came up with another error and from the next play Liam Marshall came close to scoring. Salford were under the cosh and on 17 minutes Liam Farrell powered over, Williams missing the kick 16-0.
George Williams was bossing the show for the warriors and the young half back came up with a peach of a pass to send Burgess in at the corner for his second try. Conversation was missed 20-0.
Salford were being bust down the middle far to easily but with key men missing in Lama Tasi, Ben Murdoch Masila, Mark Flanagan, Robert Lui, Lee Mossop and Junior Sau the Red Devil's were certainly doing it tough against a Wigan side on form and at full strength.
Things got worse before half time when Tyrone McCarthy kicked out on the full. Wigan rolled down the field at ease with Sam Powell going in four minutes before the break. Williams tagged the kick on, 26-0 half time.
Coincidentally this was the same half time score from the league game at the willows on the first game of the season. Salford won the second half that day 16-0, an effort like that was definitely needed.
Gareth O Brien was a half time substitute as Ian Watson tried to shake things up. O Brien with a early mistake close to the Wigan line proved costly. The warriors went the full length in two tackles with Williams touching down. The kick was added 32-0.
Wigan continued to dominate and over power Salford, piling pressure on with repeat sets and a drop out. Frank Paul Nuuausala was next on the try list, the powerful prop unstoppable near the line. Williams kicked the goal 38-0.
12 minutes from time the Salford supporters finally had something to cheer when Niall Evalds took a high Michael Dobson kick to score. O Brien added the goal 38-6.
Wigan completed the scoring six minutes from time cool centre play from Gelling to put young winger Liam Marshall away, his pace was frightening showing a clean pair of heals. Williams missed the kick 42-6.
A disappointing night for Salford, Ian Watson was not giving up the fight for the top four and said the rest next week will be so valuable for the players to freshen up. You could see the passion in Ian's eyes and he will fight to the finish this season. Shaun Wane the warriors coach said that's the best Wigan have played for a couple of years. That statement perhaps provides Salford's loyal supporters some comfort. With the challenge cup final next weekend it's a well deserved break for the Red Devil's who will hopefully be refreshed and ready for the visit of Wakefield trinity in two weeks time. Final score Wigan 42 Salford 6.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
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