Hard working Salford fall just short. Paul Whiteside takes you through all the action.
After the opening round defeat to Wigan Ian Watson was looking for a response from his players. Bell Vue has not been the happiest away trip in the Super League era for Salford and after Wakefield’s victory last week the Trinity followers were in expectant mood.
The hosts set the pace in the opening stages playing a good off load game which Salford struggled to cope with. Building pressure with drop outs and repeat sets Wakefield’s half back duo of Liam Finn and Jacob Miller began to dictate proceedings.
Scott Grix posted the first points with a nice try slicing through the Red Devil’s defence. Finn added the conversion 6-0.
Trinity were having plenty of possession particularly in good attacking positions but Salford’s goal line defence was outstanding.
Just before halftime a thrilling Wakefield break was halted, soon after a penalty followed with Finn opting to kick the two points on offer 8-0.
Salford seemed to find some composure at the start of the second half and begun to grow in confidence. After some superb drives from the powerful Craig Kopzack and good hands from Gareth O Brien, Robert Lui went blind side to dive over in the corner for a well deserved try. O Brien failed to convert 8-4.
The home supporters were becoming a little nervous as the Red Devil’s began to click into gear. Jack Littlejohn worked tirelessly at scrum half and when his clever kick paid off to give Salford a repeat set from a drop out, Niall Evalds scored in the corner to level the scores. O Brien again failed to convert.
Thirteen minutes from time and Wakefield got a big slice of luck when Miller scored off a speculative Ryan Hampshire kick. Finn added the goal to extend the lead to 14-8.
Trinity then had a try ruled out by the video referee before Jake Bibby went close in a pulsating final ten minutes.
With a minute remaining Kris Welham looked to have saved the day scoring out wide.
As Gareth O Brien lined the conversion attempt up the final hooter sounded. O Brien kicked to draw the game but agonisingly for the travelling Salford faithful it drifted just wide.
Wakefield coach Chris Chester was delighted to get the two points but admitted Salford deserved a point tonight. He knew his players had been in a real battle.
Ian Watson was disappointed with the result but proud of the efforts his players had put in. There are plenty of positives to take forward to the crunch fixture at home to Hull Kingston Rovers in a fortnights time.
Wakefield Trinity 14 Salford 12.
Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸
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