Born Red, Live Red, Die Red: wigan v salford match report

PATCHED UP SALFORD GET HARSH LESSON.

With some key personnel missing an away trip to Wigan was always going to be a tough assignment for Ian Watson and his Salford Red Devil’s side.

Rob Lui was still missing and Niall Evalds was out following the failure of his head test last week. Gavin Bennion and Levy Nzoungo returned for there loan at Swinton Lions to make there Salford debuts.

The opening 20 minutes was a real arm wrestle, Salford really stood up in defence as Wigan dictated the speed of the game. The home side missed a few chances to take the lead spilling the ball after two half breaks.

Oliver Gildart scored the first points of the night slicing through to step past Salford full back Derrell Olpherts. Moments later the hosts doubled there lead. Jake Bibby allowed the ball to bounce from a teasing kick, Tony Clubb taking full advantage to charge over.

George Williams made it three tries in nine minutes on the half hour mark as he showed really strength to power over. Sam Tomkins converting all three tries to give the Warriors a comfortable 18-0 half time lead.

Salford’s defence at the start of the second half was again tested by Wigan. Bibby and Kris Welham coming up with a great effort to stop Gildart.

It took seventeen minutes of the second half before Salford’s brave resistance was breached. Sam Tomkins burrowing over from close range.

Salford’s lack of territorial advantage and possession was alarming at times. Half backs Jack Littlejohn and Jake Shorrocks unable to get a foot hold in the match.

Tomkins grabbed his second try thirteen minutes from time before John Bateman rounded Wigan’s evening off with a try.

Salford failed to register a point for the second time this season. Despite some late pressure The Red Devil’s couldn’t force there way over the line to give there

loyal followers something to cheer.

Ian Watson is doing things tough with his small squad being tested to the limit. Speaking to Ian after the game he said “ I know I’ve got to be a bit smarter this year the way we manage the squad. This is where you find out what you are about. We might learn a tough lesson but those lessons are better for you going forward.”