It was a pressure cooker atmosphere at the AJ Bell on Good Friday as Salford squeezed past Leigh. Paul Whiteside takes you through all the action.
After last weeks world wind performance at Hull Salford welcomed Leigh to the AJ Bell stadium. The Centurions were searching for there first win in a competitive match at Salford since a 6-38 victory in September 1983.
Defences we're definitely on top in the early stages with neither side taking any chances. Ferocious tackling from Lami Tasi, Mark Flanagan and Josh Jones set the tone for a tough afternoon. Leigh's pack were on form as well with ex Red Devil Harrison Hansen putting the hits in.
The first points of the game come from Gareth O Brien who's penalty goal edged Salford ahead 2-0.
Mid way through the first half came Salford's first real break from Junior Sau. Leigh tracked back and defend their lines.
Two errors from Justin Carney in quick succession handed Leigh the initiative and from a speculative kick through Salford fail to clean up the danger as Mitch Brown touched down. Young half back Ben Reynolds adds the conversation to put Leigh ahead 2-6.
Both sides continue to come up with errors and concede penalties and the weather started to play a part as the rain poured down. Salford finally open Leigh up three minutes before the break after a sublime blind side move finished of by Kris Welham. Michael Dobson failed to convert so the scores are level at 6-6. The errors strike again as Salford knock on deep in there own half on the next set of six. Reynolds attempted a drop goal but it went wide. After a tense first half it's 6-6!
Salford start to control the ball in the openings of the second half. Michael Dobson's kicking game makes it hard for Leigh to get out of there own half. The pressure starts to build when the Red Devil's force a succession of drop outs! Leigh were very resilient and you had to admire there defending. Yet another drop out is forced with just 13 minutes remaining Robert Lui attacks the Leigh line a wonderful pass to O Brien and he does the rest to the delight of the home crowd! Dobson adds the goal 12-6.
The next ten minutes is filled with knock ons as both teams fail to make there possession count. Mark Flanagan takes the pressure of with a clever kick which forces yet another drop out. O Brien attempts the drop goal which would kill of Leigh's resistance but it hits the post and is picked up by centurions winger Matty Dawson.
A gritty performance from Salford to come out with the two points. Ian Watson was delighted with the Red Devil's defence. The squad is healthy for the trip to France to face Catalan. Todd Carney could possibly feature after a slight injury kept him out today.
Salford made it 5 top flight league wins on the trot since 1997 today and will hope to go one better on Monday in Perpignan.
Pictures by Steve McCormick
Your listening to this weeks Devil in the Detail podcast all the big news coming from Salford this week as we speak to Lami Tasi, Michael Dobson and Ian Watson about all things Salford Red Devils
