Match report Salford 20 Hull Fc 28

Salford warm up for their middle 8 battle with a brave 20-28 defeat against Hull FC.

Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

Salford were back in action at home to hull for the final game of the regular season, after this round the teams will spilt into the super eights and for us the qualifiers. The two sides served up a real treat in a pulsating match played at quite a tempo.

Five minutes in and Salford are caught cold out wide, Steve Michaels scoring the try in the corner. Ex Salford half back Mark Sneyd with his unusual but effective kicking style boots the two points. 0-6.
A loose pass from Hull goes to ground and the alert Michael Dobson springs into action hacking the ball forward. He chases what seems a lost cause but through great desire a manages to set Josh Griffin up for a try. Gareth o Brien kicks the goal to level the scores at 6-6.

It's real end to end stuff as Steve Michaels makes a thrilling break but Salford's defence manages to cut him down. As we reach the 20 minute mark Gareth o Brien comes up with a wonderful 40/20 kick to put Salford on the front foot. The next set comes to nothing and Hull are off the hook. Danny Haughton scoots from dummy half as salford's markers are poor, Frank Pritchard is on his shoulder to roar over with his first touch of the ball. Sneyd kicks the goal and Hull lead 6-12.

Mason Caton Brown comes up with an error near the Salford line. Defence again is very solid and great work from Dobson averts the danger. As the hooter sounds Salford are awarded the penalty. The desire of the Devils is there for all to see desperately chasing some points. Dobson attempts a drop goal but it's wide. Half time Salford 6 hull 12.
After a real tight first ten minutes of the second half Mason Caton Brown scores a well worked Salford try. O Briens conversion agonisingly hits the post and Hull still lead 10-12.

Hull start to build pressure after Salford mistakes in there own half. On the hour mark Chris Green crashes over. Sneyd kicks the goal to give Hull some breathing space at 10-18.

Ian watson's men are made of stern stuff this season. Great defence dragged the dangerous Curtis Naughton into touch. Josh Jones with some great work bumping tackles off and Dobson makes a thrilling Salford break. Niall Evalds is there to score and o Brien kicks the goal.

Next up some real magic, Josh Jones again is unstoppable sending the Hull defence into panic mode. Robert Lui in the corner a few yards short of the line looks to be trapped. He puts a kick to the in goal and shoots in to touch and round the hull defenders for a super try! The stadium is rocking, o Brien fails to convert but Salford lead 20-18.

Hull receive two penalties on the trot which is quite harsh on the Devils. The pressure on Salford's line is ramped up and with 7 minutes to go Sneyd ghosts over to touch down. Adding the kick as well Hull lead 20-24. Salford desperately try to get themselves back in the game but Hull finish the stronger. Gareth Ellis with all his experience flicks out a lovely pass to send Fetuli Talanoa in at the corner. Sneyd misses the kick 20-28.

Salford just came up short tonight. Ian Watson can be proud of another great effort against a really good Hull side. This just shows how far we have come since the opening round in the reverse fixture at the KC stadium. With 7 matches to come in the middle 8s we need to take this hunger and desire into those games.   

Match preview Salford Red Devils v Hull FC

It's the final game of the super league season for Salford against Hull FC before they start their middle 8 challenge. Here is Rob with the preview.

With both teams looking for a win for different reasons this contest on Friday may prove to be a special one.

Hull FC are chasing super league glory after a very impressive season which have kept the fans on the edge of their seats.

Salford are looking to cement their 9th place finish with a win. This would give them 4 critical home games to win in their attempt to avoild the drop.

Battles

Danny Houghton is having a fantastic season for Hull FC, he can be very dangerous around the ruck area and being top tackler in super league he will be somebody to watch both in attack and defence.

With Tommy Lee out injured Logan Tompkins has stepped up to be Salfords #No1 hooker.
In his 2nd spell at the Reds he has produced some great performances throughout this season and will be a key player for Salford in the middle 8s.

Scott Taylor became a fans favourite for Salford Red Devils last season for his no nonsense running style and 100% efforts in a Red Shirt. He seems to have continued his great form in the black and white of Hull this season which will be a concern for Salford.

Craig Kopjack has had a amazing season for Salford Red Devils filling the big shoes left by Scott Taylor at the end of last season.  A tireless worker in both attack and defence and showing great leadership qualities on the field he is a front runner for podcast player of the year so far.

Marc Sneyd have become a influential player at Hull FC, never reaily getting a opportunity at Salford he moved on and has never looked back. A top goal kicker and very creative a main player for Hull this season.

Rob Lui is coming back into form for Salford Red Devils just before the middle 8s begin. A fine performance away at Widnes shows that on his day Lui is Salfords talisman. Fans of the Salford Red Devils are hoping for more of the same in the coming weeks.

Previous encounters

1998 Salford 12 hull 4.
1999 Salford 38 hull 18
2000 Salford 30 hull 22.
2000 Salford 33 hull 24
2001 Salford 24 hull 36
2002 Salford 10 hull 24
2004 Salford 20 hull 44
2004 Salford 8 hull 12
2005 Salford 12 hull 22
2006 Salford 20 hull 24
2007 Salford 18 hull 35
2009 Salford 14 hull 18
2010 Salford 27 hull 20
2011 Salford 16 hull 32
2012 Salford 24 hull 22
2013 Salford 18 hull 24
2014 Salford 35 hull 22
2015 Salford 32 hull 28
Super league record Played 18. Won 8. Lost 10.

Salford 32 Widnes 24 Match report

What a night for Salford Red Devils, a superb hatrick from Mason Caton Brown secures the victory for the Red Devils in a see saw battle, Paul Whiteside takes you through the action.

After last weeks storm it seemed a bit calmer tonight and Salford grabbed the first points against Widnes. Junior Sau punched a hold through the Vikings defence and sent Mason Caton Brown racing to the line. Gareth O brien kicks off the touch line and Salford lead  0-6.

Widnes then pile the pressure on. Salfords defensive effort was outstanding. Salford hold their line for four sets of six! 15 minutes in though Matt Whitely hits a flat pass which looks forward but the try is given,  Lloyd white kicks the goal to tie the scores at 6-6
With 28 minutes on the clock and after soaking up so much Widnes pressure Salford move the ball wide. Caton Brown soars through a gap. On the next play the ball is switched to the opposite wing and Justin Carney gets down low to score in the corner. O Brien again kicks off the touch line and Salford lead 6-12.

Five minutes before the break Salford looked to have snuffed out the Widnes danger but a miracle pass finds Patrick Ah Van who ghosts over. Corey Thompson kicks the goal to level the scores at 12-12. Widnes have momentum and a Kevin brown  40-20 in the next set puts pressure on Salford but yet again Salford's defence is outstanding holding hep Cahill up over the line as the hooter signals half time with the score 12-12.

The 2nd half started and Widnes again had field position and pressure but Salford strike back. Robert Lui bursts through feeding Sau who puts Caton Brown away. He shows wonderful pace and gets to the line. O Brien again off the touch line was succesful and Salford hit the front 12-18.

Justin Carney ,ot injured and limped off to be replaced by Niall Evalds. Gareth o Brien looks to have kicked a 40-20. As the Salford players celebrate the referee gives Widnes feed at the scrum much to the amazement of nearly everyone in the ground.

With 20 minutes remaining Kevin Brown is taken off with a head injury. What looks like a blatant knock on is waved on by referee Gareth Hewer and on the next play Matt Whitley scores. White kicks the goal and at 18-18 this game is far from over.

Salford again work hard to keep the Widnes attack at bay. On a last tackle play Michael Dobson runs a the Vikings dangerously finding Josh Jones who powers over the line. O Brien misses the kick but Salford lead 18-22. Ten minutes remaining there's a punch up 20 yards from the Vikings line. Buchanan and Kopzack are sin binned but Salford get the penalty.

Gaz O brien wisely kicks the goal to extend Salfords lead to 18-24.   After a frantic final five minutes . Salford get the penalty well within O briens range. He ;Kicks the goal 18-26. From kickoff  Widnes go short it comes off the ball and with the ball in hand they  worked the ball out wife and Corey Thompson squeezes in at the corner. White kicks the goal to set up a thrilling finish to a great game! 24-26.

Patrick Ah van looks to have found the gap as the Salford faithful gasp, but Whitely knocks on. Salford attack and Mason Caton Brown a real star tonight scorches over the line for his hat trick. Dobson kicks off the touch line. 24-32. The hooter sounds and Salford get the win. There was a real spirit tonight in that team and if we take that to the middle 8 we won't go far wrong. Salford finish the regular season at home next Friday with Hull the visitors. Get down and support this team as there one to really admire and be proud of.

Ian Watson reaction to the win against Widnes

"That just shows what we are all about, the boys stuck together.

The boys are a good group and they are talking about  playing for the club and the shirt. we had a lot to go on last week but the boys stuck at the task and played for each other and the club.

This week we spoke as a group, we don't want to get side tracked by anything. we have done reaily well.  Mason Caton Brown is one of the quickest in the league and we tell him to back himself when he can.  Justin Carney took a big bang to his leg but hopefully its not too serious.

That's the benchmark in our grit and determination and we are pleased with that"

Big match preview Widnes V Salford

Salford travel to Widnes hoping to get back to winning ways and build confidence ahead of their middle 8 battle to come. Rob Parkinson looks forward to the game on Friday and where he thinks the game will be won or lost.

Both standoffs are capable of making a huge impression in this game, Kevin Brown is Widneses go to man. he has a great kicking game and organisational skills he will be a player Salford will need to martial if they are to get a result on Friday.

Rob Lui has the magic to mesmerise, with good ball and space he has the ability to cause Widnes all kinds of problems.

The winner of this battle will go a long way in deciding the result.

The battle up front is always something to look forward to with potential fire works but this battle on Friday night will be intriguing. Ben Murdoch Masila is a powerful unit for Salford and has the ability to punch big holes in the Widnes defence on Friday night. 

Hep Cahill is a big characher for widnes. he brings power and strong running to a battling Widnes pack. Salford will need to keep him quiet on Friday to get a result.

Its a battle between the wizard and the apprentice  here in the scurm half position on Friday night.
Michael Dobson is Salfords main organisational player with lots of experience in big games though his career he will be looking to use all that to help Salford get a win here ahead of the middle 8 fixtures.
Joe Mellor shows lots of enthusiasm, and with youth on his side his partnership  Kevin Brown has made many super league clubs sit up and take notice of his talents.

Last game both teams faced each other was at Magic Weekend in Newcastle. Salford came away victorious 18-12 with 2 tries from Daniel Vidot the difference on the day.

Stats

With Widnes safely in the top 8 and Salford preparing for their middle 8 battle its a game both sides will be looking to win to get momentum ahead of challenges to come.

Don't forget to tune into this weeks Devil in the Detail  podcast looking back at a traumatic week for Salford Red Devils after their points deduction appeal refusal and Marwan Koukash considering his future at the club.

Match report Warrington 40 Salford 14

Salfords hopes of a top 8 finish ended as a mixture of Marwan Koukashs failure to get any points back in Salfords appeal and defeat in Warrington meant Salford now have to plan for another season battling in the middle 8s. Paul Whiteside takes you through the game.

After a real tough day for the faithful Salford made the trip to Warrington. Talking to fans before the game there seemed a spirit and togetherness on the terraces. The game started at a good tempo and Salford grabbed the first points from a great grubber kick from Robert Lui as Junior Sau pounced to score. Gareth o Brien missed the goal kick, 0-4. Salford attack again and a half chance goes begging when Gareth o Brien can't take the pass. The Reds then receive a penalty 40 yards out and cautiously kick for goal. It's wide and the score stays at 0-4. Chris Sandow shows some lovely footwork and Daryl Clark grubber kicks but Craig kopzack is there to clear up the danger close to the Salford line. 21 minutes gone and Warrington look to get away with crossing but on the next play there over the line. The video referee is called upon and the try is awarded to Joe Westerman. Ratchford kicks the goal 6-4.

Gareth o Brien takes a huge bomb brilliantly as Stefan Ratchford follows up with a solid tackle, o Brien manages to escape the in goal area with a wonderful piece of determination. Salford come up with an error 20 yards out and the wolves are on the attack. Junior Sau fails to track his man and Ryan Atkins is in for the second wolves try. Young Declan Patton kicks off the touch line 12-4. Two minutes to the break and poor defending again from Weller Hauraki as Ben Currie splits the defence and Atkins strolls over. Patton kicks another tough conversion 18-4 at half time.

Warrington start the second half with a try from Tom Lineham. Ratchford misses the kick 22-4. Salford begin to fight back and Lui and o Brien combine well to send Josh Griffin over. Rather unluckily at the conversion poor Gareth o Brien slips and misses. 22-8. The Red Devils start to get on top, a great burst from Sau and Shaun Kenny is in support but he knocks on under pressure from the wolves defence going over the line for what looked a certain try.

The next set Sandow takes the pressure of the wolves with a 40-20, they fail to capitalise as Ratchford knocks on. 20 minutes left and Sandow changes the game with a lovely reverse kick which he follows up himself and forces a drop out. Westerman scoots over from dummy half to score a real soft try with Patton adding the goal to take the game away from Salford 28-8. Mason Caton Brown comes up with an error from a wolves kick and Michael Dobson is caught offside. Warrington attack and Patton is over for a try, he also adds the goal 34-8. Sandow is having a special night and puts another 40-20 kick in to really knock the stuffing out of Salford. On the next set his sublime grubber kick sees another try as matty Russell goes over. Patton adds the goal 40-8. Ten minutes to go and Robert Lui from at set scrum shows a glimmer of magic to dummy his way over for a nice try. O Brien adds the goal 40-14.

As the clock counts down the grafting Craig kopzack is pulled back with the line open for a forward pass, he really deserved a try and looked dejected at the decision from the referee joe Cobb. With four minutes remains Greg Johnson seemed certain to score but was denied by the video referee after losing the ball over the line. Over all a disappointing day for Salford. With two games left before the spilt we are now going to be playing in the middle 8s and battling for super league survival. The supporters were awesome again tonight and there loyalty is a great comfort in a difficult time of the season! Final score Warrington 40 Salford 14.

Ian Watson in the press conference after the game said

First half we let them score some soft tries, we had a real dig early doors, but 2nd half we were flat.

we have  a reaily good group, we have spoken about adversity, but emotion only takes you so far. its been a tough day all round.

We spoke at the beginning of the year about being  competitive. We need to finish the year strongly.

We need to finish these next two games and make sure we know that we are a top 6 team.

Big match preview Warrington V Salford

Thursday night Salford take on Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones stadium, it promises to be a epic encounter with both sides looking for a win. Dan Robinson takes you though all the pre match info.

Griffin has been a strong leader in the pack so far this season and like his fellow front rower Kopczak he has done the hard work both in attack and defence. Having been given the number 10 jersey at the start of the year he has really been a valued member of the Red Devils this season so far and will look to continue in good performances on Thursday night.

The big powerful unit of sims will be looking to get on the front foot come Thursday. He does like the tough side of the game and the Reds will need to keep a close eye on him come Thursday. Hopefully the Reds big guns can keep Mr Sims night very quiet.

Both key players for their respective sides. Rob Lui needs to shine on Thursday. A fantastic start to the 2016 campaign but in recent weeks has not been up to the mark. Everyone knows what he is capable of and hopefully this will be seen at the home of the wolves. Sandow has been the main player in the Warrington side this season. He has won some games single handed and none other then the return fixture at the AJ Bell earlier on in the season slotting over the winning drop goal on the hooter. The Red Devils will have to stop the wolves number 7 before he even gets started.

After his man of the match performance against the Tigers on Friday night the Reds utility back will look to repeat this at the home of his former employers. His first return to the Wolves since leaving for the Reds O'Brien will look to show them what they lost and what the Reds gained. I feel his kicking game will be crucial come Thursday.

O'Brien made over 61 appearances for the wolves from 2011-2015 scoring 229 points. Whilst with the wolves he made a variety on loan moves to Saints, Cas Tigers, Widnes and Swinton Lions. He is now a regular fixture in the Devils side.

Ratchford spent 5 years at Salford coming through the academy ranks and making over 78 appearances for the first team in that time scoring 146 points in the process. He moved to the wolves in 2012 and has won the challenge cup with them. Stefan is a crutial cog in the warrington machine and it will be a interesting battle to see who comes out on top.

Stats

 Team news

Salford Red Devils 22 Castleford 18 MATCH REPORT

Salford Red Devils secured a victory against Castleford tigers to keep their top 8 hopes alive at the AJ Bell. Paul Whiteside takes you though the action.

After a weeks break for the challenge cup Salford were back in action at home to Castleford and looking for a first league double over the Tigers since 2004. It was a very tight opening but Castleford got the first points when Jake Webster powered over the line from close range on the back of some harsh penalties from referee James child. Luke Gale added the goal 0-6. Four minutes later and Salford created a magic moment as Robert Lui and Michael Dobson combined to send Gareth O Brien over in the corner. O Brien couldn't manage the kick 4-6.

Tempers flare after 20 minutes and there's an altercation centre field. Salford receive the penalty even though the Tigers were in possession. The Reds make it count with a fantastic Robert Lui grubber kick is pounced on by Michael Dobson. Gas o Brien kicks the goal to edge Salford in front 10-6.

With 30 minutes on the clock and Castleford were over again. Jake Webster gots his second try after some poor Salford defending. Luke Gale kicks the goal and the Tigers lead 12-10.
Salfords new signing Shaun kenny replaced Logan Tomkins to make his Salford debut and gets a great reception from the loyal Salford faithful. O Brien is caught very high by Ben crooks and the incident is put on report. Salford pile the pressure on and force a drop out. Greg Johnson looks to score out wide with an acrobatic finish only to be denied by the video referee. Halt time Salford 10-12

Castleford The Tigers start the second half fast and on the front foot making an early break then forcing a drop out. Luke Dorn goes through a huge gap to waltz in and Luke Gales conversation opens an eight point gap 10-18. The weather changes again and a huge down pour is followed by a rainbow right across the stadium. 20 minutes left and from a tap penalty Salford move the ball tremendously and score a try as good as you will see through Mason Caton Brown. Brown looked very sharp all evening and really seems to have filled out! O Brien kicks off the touch line 16-18.

Salford attack and after a penalty for a high shot on lui the Reds decided to kick for goal and level the scores 18-18 with ten minutes to play. Castlefords discipline lets them down again another high tackle this time on Dobson and from 40 yards out o Brien kicks Salford into the lead 20-18.

The Tigers start to throw everything at Salford in the remains minutes but the Reds defence holds firm. Another high shot and the hooter sounds as Salford receive the penalty. O Brien adds a little salt to Castlefords wounds and sends the Salford supporters home happy and still dreaming of the top eight. Salford found that pot of gold at the end of the huge rainbow that hung over the AJ bell stadium tonight and can go to Warrington still knowing there's a chance to catch the top eight! This wasn't salford's best 80minutes of the season but it was a courageous one and one we really desperately needed! Final score Salford 22 Castleford 18