Salford returned to The AJ Bell Stadium tonight and made a real solid start against a Castleford side brimming with confidence after last weeks win over Leeds. The Red Devils refused to lie down and took the game to The Tigers with some real good defence forcing there high flying visitors in to mistakes early on.
The first points of the match had to wait until the 19th minute, Castleford’s Jake Webster with a try. Paul McShane kicking the goal 0-6.
Salford began to enjoy large periods of territory and possession but struggled to break the Tigers down. A huge first half effort from Ian Watson’s men however was rewarded six minutes from the break. Top try scorer Jake Bibby finishing superbly off Ed Chamberlain’s pin point kick. Chamberlain levelled the scores kicking the goal off the touch line.
Plenty of fighting spirit and honest endeavour sent Salford in at half time level at 6-6.
Two Salford mistakes in the first ten minutes of the second half proved costly. Knocking on in there own half gifting The Tigers field position. Michael Shenton struck first before Webster stormed over for his second to give Castleford a comfortable 6-18 lead with half an hour left.
Salford rarely threatened in attack but refused to throw the towel in. Down to the bare bones and just 17 fit players they worked over time in defence. Castleford forcing drop outs and piling pressure on.
Ten minutes from time the game was put behind doubt when young winger Kieran Gill scored for the visitors. McShane again converted from the touch line with another excellent kick.
An up beat Ian Watson was delighted with the effort of his side.
“We need to make sure the mentality of the players is good and there positive coming in to games. Getting confidence from games like tonight against a Castleford team when your in an arm wrestle you can come through the other side”.
With just two regular season fixtures left Salford now travel to the South of France next week to face the ever improving Catalan Dragons.
Final score tonight Salford 6 Castleford 24.
Paul Whiteside.
Pictures by Steve McCormick 📸📸
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