Salford Red Devil’s v Wakefield Big match preview

It’s over twenty years now since Wakefield gained promotion back to the top flight of Rugby League. Trinity won a glorious Division one Grand Final victory over Featherstone Rovers back in September 1998 in front of a crowd of 8,224. Since then they’ve managed to survive some mighty dog fights at the bottom of the table as well as some really solid seasons where they have competed in the playoffs. It’s fair to say for a club their size Wakefield have punched above their weight. Many of the elite teams in the Super League have been put to the sword at the famous old Belle Vue Stadium. 

Perhaps it’s looking a little tired these days but it remains a traditional ground of the sport. A place that has seen many greats of the game play over the years including the legendary Neil Fox, David Topliss and Derek Turner. Between the three of them they played over 1200 games for the Dreadnoughts. The club were the team to beat in the 1960s. Lifting two Championships in 1967 and 1968. They also triumphed at Wembley three times in 1960, 1962 and 1963.

After a really positive start to the 2019 season injuries took their toll on coach Chris Chester’s squad. Trinity had to fight for survival in a real thrilling relegation dog fight that involved four other clubs. On the final round of the season London, Wakefield, Hull Kingston Rovers and Huddersfield knew what they had to do to stay up. Either one could of fell through the trap door to the Championship. A nervy 19-10 victory over London saw Trinity survive and condemned the valiant Broncos to the drop.

Tom Johnstone is one of the hottest properties in the Super League. The lighting fast winger suffered an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury last year. He’s back in 2020 and started the season in fine form. In the close season coach Chris Chester was extremely busy on the recruitment front. London duo Alex Walker and Jay Pitts have moved to West Yorkshire and former Salford hooker Josh Wood is re building his career with Trinity after an injury ravaged 2019. Two very experienced players have signed in Ryan Atkins and Joe Westerman. Atkins begins his second spell with the club having made over 100 appearances between 2006 and 2009.

Super League Home Record.

Salford 15

Draws 1

Wakefield 9

1999 Salford 28 Wakefield 14

2000 Salford 14 Wakefield 22

2001 Salford 26 Wakefield 16

2001 Salford 24 Wakefield 32

2002 Salford 42 Wakefield 18

2002 Salford 22 Wakefield 22

2004 Salford 20 Wakefield 27

2005 Salford 16 Wakefield 14

2005 Salford 37 Wakefield 0

2006 Salford 48 Wakefield 10

2006 Salford 26 Wakefield 12

2007 Salford 18 Wakefield 35

2009 Salford 24 Wakefield 30

2010 Salford 16 Wakefield 12

2011 Salford 34 Wakefield 12

2012 Salford 34 Wakefield 42 (played at Leigh)

2013 Salford 10 Wakefield 46

2014 Salford 18 Wakefield 14

2015 Salford 24 Wakefield 18

2015 Salford 34 Wakefield 26 (middle eights)

2016 Salford 38 Wakefield 8

2017 Salford 24 Wakefield 34

2017 Salford 18 Wakefield 43 (Super 8s)

2018 Salford 38 Wakefield 4

2019 Salford 44 Wakefield 20

They played for both.

Here are a few players who represented both clubs:

Ben Jones Bishop, Mason Caton Brown, Tim Smith, Kevin Locke, Matty Ashurst, Ged Byrne, Garen Casey, Shane Kenward, Jason Critchley, Ashley Gibson, Sean Gleeson, Bobbie Goulding, Josh Griffin, George Griffin, Darrell Griffin, Phil Hassan, James Hasson, Stuart Howarth, Alan Hunte, Greg Johnson, Warren Jowitt, Andy Kirk, Tommy Lee, Francis Maloney, Martin Moana, Kris Tassell, Jason Walton, Jeremy Smith and Craig Kopzack.

A match to remember Saturday 17th August 2002.

Salford 22 Wakefield 22

With both sides battling at the wrong end of the table the two points on offer here we’re priceless. Salford we’re having a miserable season. Big defeats away from home and at The Willows we’re becoming far to frequent. 

Wakefield went ahead in the sixth minute with a penalty from Ian Knott before a Steve Blakeley try and two Graham Holroyd goals put Salford 8-2 up.

Wakefield drew level when Andrew Frew collected Deon Bird's pass to go over and Knott landed a penalty after a high tackle by Andy Coley on Paul Jackson.

The teams went in level at half time 8-8.

Early in the second half, the impressive Brad Davis added a drop goal.

The Australian half back was a constant threat with his organisational skills.

Danny Arnold put Salford back in front on the hour with a well taken try before Wakefield took a commanding ten point lead. 

Andrew Frew touched down from a kick through, Davis added the conversion and then booted his second drop goal before capping a fine display by finishing off Deon Bird's break for a try, which he then converted.

Salford now staring down the barrel of another defeat needed something special and they certainly got it. 

Arnold squeezed in at the corner for his second try before sub Ian Watson darted over and Graham Holroyd coolly landed the conversion to level the match. After a frantic finale both sides had to settle for a point in a 22-22 draw.

The relegation battle when right down to the wire. Salford had to beat Castleford on the final day of the season at The Willows to survive. Sadly another poor performance and a 10-20 defeat resulted in relegation to National League one. 

The club re grouped under coach Karl Harrison and a terrific season in 2003 saw Salford back in the big time after promotion. 

The teams that day; 

Salford: Gibson, Reardon, Maloney, Hunte, Arnold, Holroyd, Blakeley, Baynes, Alker, Highton, Ebrill, Treacey, Wainwright. Subs: Southern, Price, Coley, Watson.

Wakefield: Holland, Sovatabua, Tassell, Bird, Frew, Moana, Davis, Jackson, Vowles, Feather, Slattery, Field, Knott. Subs: Broadbent, March, Handforth, Ellis.

Referee: Russell Smith (Castleford)

Attendance: 3,217.

 Sundays match .

Both sides will be looking for improvement to their recent form. Salford have lost back to back home matches against Huddersfield and Leeds. Perhaps the most concerning thing at the moment for Ian Watson is some early season injury problems. Krisnan Inu hobbled off early on last week, Luke Yates failed a head assessment, Dan Sarginson and Lee Mossop are both injured.

 Kevin Brown will also miss this match through suspension. Wakefield have won one match so far. Trinity surprised Warrington with an excellent victory at Belle Vue sending the Wolves packing 18-8. A disappointing defeat in the opening round at Hull Kingston Rovers and a 32-15 derby defeat at Castleford last week leave both sides desperate to kick start their season. 

Talking of injury problems Wakefield have been hit by two big blows with Joe Arundel and Ryan Hampshire both suffering injuries last Friday. Arundel will miss the rest of the season with a knee injury while Hampshire is out for six weeks with a broken jaw.

Trinity have plenty of ex Salford players in their squad which will definitely add to what looks an intriguing encounter. 

The action gets under way at 3pm. 

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. 

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos Match report

Another blustery afternoon awaited both teams at kick off. Leeds arrived on the back of a good victory last weekend as Salford looked to get back on track. 

A booming kick to start the match caught the Rhinos off guard. The swirling wind pulled the ball away from Luke Gale giving the Red Devils an early attacking opportunity. Two more errors hampered the visitors but Salford’s attack seemed slightly predictable. With Kevin Brown suspended Chris Atkin made his debut partnering Tui Lolohea at half back.

Krisnan Inu returned for the injured Dan Sarginson but sadly Inu left the field in the early stages with what looked like a lower limb injury as he hobbled off. Ian Watson shuffled his side round with Ryan Lannon moving into the centres.

The first points of the match came in the twentieth minute as the dead lock was broken with a fine Salford try. Lolohea with a neat pass to Niall Evalds who sliced through the Leeds defence like a knife through hot butter.

Sebastine Ikahihifo began to put himself about with some tremendous carries and Kris Welham looked solid in defence. 

Salford doubled the lead when former Leeds player Lolohea ran the ball on the last tackle showing great strength to crash over. The try was a sweet moment for the Tongan who showed his delight.

The Red Devils had certainly upped the pace and were now bossing the match.

A kick charge down from new signing Oliver Roberts gave Leeds a sniff. Brad Dwyer shot through a gap before sending Gale away to score right on the half time hooter. Gale’s conversion made it 8-6 at the break. 

Salford started the second half on the front foot with a huge Joey Lussick forty twenty kick. Again the chance went begging with another error to let Leeds off the hook. 

Richie Myler’s introduction seemed to speed to Rhinos up particularly around the ruck. 

The match seemed to turn on a controversial call from referee Marcus Griffiths. Niall Evalds took a high ball with real bravery, however he looked to be tackled in the air. The penalty didn’t come, instead Salford were forced to drop out.

Leeds moved the ball well and winger Luke Briscoe finished acrobatically in the corner. Gale missed the conversion but the visitors nudged in front for the first time at 8-10.

Salford were low on numbers with a Luke Yates failing a head assessment and Tyrone McCarthy struggling. Leeds scored again with a simple try from forward Mikolaj Oledzki. Gale stretched the lead to eight points with the conversion and shortly after booted over a penalty goal 8-18.

The Red Devils never really looked a threat in the second half. The frustration of the home supporters was their for all to see. Plenty of dubious and questionable penalty decisions seem to only go one way.

A desperate late Salford attack went wrong when Lannon’s off load went astray. A counter attack ended in a fourth Leeds try. Young fullback Jack Walker  rounding off the scoring.

Salford coach Ian Watson was left furious after the match. Speaking about the tackle in the air on Evalds, “ it’s a massive turning point, it’s ridiculous to be fair.

It’s a dead set penalty and that turns the game. Ganson (the controller of referees) needs to contact us, we kept contacting him myself personally. He’s not come back to us. We’re not popular, we’re not Wigan or St. Helens, it’s like we’re not important so they just ignore us and send referees like that.”

Watson’s passion for Salford is very commendable and he will be working his socks off with his players to get the victory next Sunday when they host Wakefield Trinity.

Salford 8 Leeds 22.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Ollie Roberts

View from the Commentary box - Manchester United

Salford Red Devils v Leeds Rhinos big match preview

Salford v Leeds.

For supporters of a certain vintage this match is always eagerly anticipated when the fixtures are released. A bitter rivalry through the 1970s and one of the worst records in Rugby League over the past forty years add to the importance for Salford. Since Super League began in 1996 The Red Devils have won just three home games with Leeds and those three wins have all come fairly recently. Even pre Super league through the 70s, 80s and 90s victories over Leeds were a very rare and savoured occasion. 

Over the past fifteen years the Rhinos have created a Rugby League dynasty at Headingley. With their Golden Generation of players the trophies came thick and fast.

Over the past few years that group of players that brought eight Super League Titles and Three World Club Championships to West Yorkshire have one by one retired or left the club. 

By Leeds standards the last two seasons have been disappointing. A club in transition some say. That may well be but the Rhinos infrastructure is arguably the strongest in the country. A magnificent stadium with facilities that many football clubs would be proud. 

Salford will be looking to kick start their season after a tough contest with Huddersfield last Friday ended in a 10-12 defeat. The Red Devils will need to be on their guard as the Rhinos put fifty points past Tony Smith’s Hull kr last time out.

To add a bit of spice Robert Lui returns to the AJ Bell Stadium and Tui Lolohea will be looking to get one over the club that dumped him last season.

Super League Home Record.

Salford 3

Draws 0

Leeds 20

1997 Salford 20 Leeds 33

1998 Salford 6 Leeds 40

1999 Salford 30 Leeds 38

2000 Salford 26 Leeds 34

2001 Salford 14 Leeds 19

2002 Salford 16 Leeds 48

2004 Salford 0 Leeds 44

2005 Salford 12 Leeds 30

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 24

2006 Salford 18 Leeds 19

2007 Salford 26 Leeds 30

2009 Salford 24 Leeds 30

2010 Salford 22 Leeds 31

2011 Salford 22 Leeds 30

2012 Salford 16 Leeds 56

2013 Salford 16 Leeds 42

2014 Salford 18 Leeds 22

2015 Salford 18 Leeds 28

2016 Salford 14 Leeds 10

2017 Salford 24 Leeds 50

2018 Salford 38 Leeds 22

2019 Salford 14 Leeds 46

2019 Salford 28 Leeds 16

They played for both.

Here are a few players to wear the red of Salford and the blue and amber of Leeds.

Luke Burgess, Joel Moon, Mark Brooke-Cowden, Andrew Duneman, Ensene Famailo, Phil Ford, Ashley Gibson, Phil Hassan, Weller Hauraki, Ben Jones Bishop, Andy Kirk, Francis Maloney, Robert Lui, Richie Myler and David Young.

A match to remember Sunday 11th February 2007. 

Salford 26 Leeds 30. 

This was the opening match of the 2007 season. After Salford’s heroics of the previous season finishing 5th in the Super League coach Karl Harrison made some very exciting signings to strengthen his squad. Power house forward Mark Edmondson joined along with the exciting back Luke Dorn. Michael Korkidas had been a real fans favourite at his previous clubs and his signing made Salford’s pack quite a significant size! 

On a chilly afternoon at The Willows a bumper crowd of over 8,000 packed the terraces creating a terrific atmosphere at kick off.

The Rhinos started at a blistering pace leaving Salford shell shocked. 

New signing Brent Webb scored a brace of tries with Danny McGuire and Rob Burrow also going over in a thunderous first half display. John Wilshere raced over off a nice Aaron Moule pass to get Salford on the scoreboard.

6-22 down at halftime Wilshere grabbed his second try shortly after the break.

After Clinton Toopi had been penalised for a flop Salford moved the ball down field and Moule scored from dummy half from short range after Alker had gone close. Luke Robinson added the conversion to make it 16-22 after 49 minutes.

The Willows faithful were roaring their side on who had showed great character to rattle the Rhinos.

Leeds kicked a crucial penalty goal to post their first points of the second half.

The visitors then had a large slice of luck land their way after 69 minutes when Wilshere lost control of the ball after taking a cross field bomb by McGuire and Jordan Tansey was on hand to touch the ball down. 16-30.

Salford wouldn’t go away and kept the ball moving with a renewed urgency. This time it was Gareth Haggerty who got the try after a driving run from close range. Robinson added the conversion to make it 22-30.

There was even more drama when Aaron Moule created the extra man out wide to score after a flowing move across the entire width of the pitch. Robinson could not add the conversion though but the Rhinos lead was cut to just four points at 26-30. This set up a real frantic, grandstand finish. Unfortunately Salford couldn’t get the heroic last gasp try they deserved.

Both sides seasons couldn’t have ended in more contrasting circumstances.

Leeds finished second in the table and went through the playoffs to the Grand Final at Old Trafford. A memorable 33-6 thumping of St Helens saw them crowned champions. 

Salford finished bottom with just 13 points, 7 points

adrift of Hull Kingston Rovers. Relegation to National League one was a bitter pill to swallow. 

The teams that day;

Salford, Hodgson; Halliwell, McGuinness, Moule, Wilshere; Dorn, Robinson; Coley, Alker, Jewitt, Edmondson, Littler, Finnigan. Subs used: Korkidas, Haggerty, Adamson, Brocklehurst. Tries: Wilshere (2), Moule (2), Haggerty. Goals: Robinson (3).

Leeds, Webb, Donald, Toopi, Senior, Gibson, McGuire, Burrow, Bailey, Diskin, Leuluai, Lauiti’iti, Ellis, Sinfield. Subs used: Sructon, Jones Buchanan, Tansey, Thackray. Tries: Webb (2), Burrow, McGuire, Tansey.

Attendance: 8,071.

Referee, Ian Smith.

Saturdays match .

Looking ahead to Saturday you get the feeling that this match could be won in the battle of the packs. Against Huddersfield in round three Salford lacked their usual grunt upfront. Gil Dudson missed out through illness, Sebastine Ikahihifo couldn’t play due to his loan agreement and Adam Walker is still unavailable.

Coach Ian Watson will be hoping to get Dudson back in the front row with Lee Mossop.

Watson will also be sweating on half back Kevin Brown. Brown was sin binned after an ugly and perhaps clumsy clash with Jordan Turner in the closing stages last Friday. Tui Lolohea shouldn’t need any motivation for the fixture and will be looking to impress.

As well as Robert Lui the Rhinos possess another quality half back in Luke Gale. The former Castleford Tigers talisman signed in the close season after five seasons at Wheldon Road. If these two can click in 2020 Leeds could make a big impact.

Rhinos head coach Richard Agar as an exciting crop of young players awaiting their chance as well as over seas stars Conrad Hurrell, Adam Cuthbertson and Matt Prior to call on. It’s an impressive looking squad and Salford will need to be at their best defensively to combat the pace and power Leeds will throw at them.

Salford have plenty of attacking weapons of their own. Dan Sarginson has really caught the eye so far this season. Wingers Ken Sio and Rhys Williams provide pace and can both finish when provided a chance.

Joey Lussick had a fantastic match the last time the two sides met. Salford won at Headingley 12-20 last year and Lussick with his pace from dummy half caused Leeds a raft of trouble all match. 

The Red Devils could be forced to make changes as Kevin Brown awaits his fate this week. With Chris Atkin patiently waiting for his opportunity he could be the man to fill in if needed.

This promises to be an explosive encounter and a match not to be missed. 

The action gets under way at 2pm. 

Safe travels and enjoy the match everyone. 

Paul Whiteside

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

View from the commentary box - Salford Red Devils

Salford Red Devil’s suffered a home defeat last week against Huddersfield Giants. It was a close game with tries from Ken Sio and Dan Sarginson making it a 10 all score line going into the final stage of the game.

Unfortunately for Salford Tui Lolahea missed a chance of a drop goal and to make things worse experienced half back Kevin Brown was sent to the sin bin for a head butt in a tackle on Jordan Turner.

I feel this was a harsh decision for Kevin and Salford,  there was contact between Kevin’s head and Jordan Turner but I refuse to believe it was a deliberate act to injure or hurt Jordan Turner. 

With Kevin brown off the field Huddersfield had a opportunity to win the game which they eventually did from a penalty under the posts, Ian Watson refused to hit the panic button after the game. Defeat against Huddersfield at home in previous years may have caused a panic situation to grow but under Ian Watson’s stewardship their is a sense of confidence that the players brought in will help improve the team for 2020 so another good season is on the horizon.

A new face arrived at the AJ Bell Stadium this week with Oliver Roberts moving to Salford from Huddersfield on loan for the 2020 season.

The 6,4 forward who was selected to be in the England Knight squad in 2019 and a full Irish international,  he has the size and experience to add that extra quality to Ian Watson’s squad.

Roberts who is 25 played for Salfords youth teams upto 2013 before signing for Bradford will be looking to play well to either gain a contract at the AJ Bell next year or for Huddersfield to make him part of their plans again.

Another Salford rugby league player who has made the headlines is local player Jonny Openshaw, a product of Folly Lane he has been selected to train with the England      Community Lions  ahead of their European Championships later in the year. Openshaw has potential to go a long way in the game and this will help his development. One day he could be pulling on the famous red jersey at the AJ Bell Stadium.

The sad news this week is Salford prop Adam Walker has left the club, a real rough tough forward who gave the pack that nastiness will be missed. Walkers appearance from the subs bench in the Grandfinal gave Salford a 2nd wind which put them back in contention going into half time. It’s safe to say that with 26 appearances and 4 tries will be remembered.

Adam has been out of favour this season so far and a change in his circumstances has resulted in his release. The club has released a statement to say that it will help Adam with this transition, I wish him well in the future.

Salford face Leeds Rhinos at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday. Leeds last week put a big score on Hull KR as Salford lost narrowly to Huddersfield both sides will be looking for the win.

With Salford currently enjoying a run of home games it is important this is taken advantage of and Salford pick up points.

Leeds have quality in their squad with ex Man of Steel Luke Gale and ex Salford favourite Rob Lui they have players who can cause Salford real problems.

Salford are a team who are developing, during our run to the Super League Grand Final we faced many challenges which we overcame.

I feel that the extra pressure on us this year going into games like this one will have a positive effect. The players reached great heights in consistency under pressure last season and it will help when playing big games like this one on Saturday.

New faces have come in and given us a extra dimension to our play and it will be exciting to see this squad and team develop over the weeks and months to come.

Pictures by Steve McCormick 

Blog by Rob Parkinson

View from the Commentary box - Manchester United

Manchester United are currently enjoying their winter break in Valencia, without a game for two weeks it gives the players a break from the rough and tumble of Premier League football and allows them to regain fitness or rest.

The question is it good for the game and the league that there is a two week break in the middle of the season?

In many European countries a winter break is in place. Many players and managers sing the praises of the process saying it allows them quality training sessions and helps them refocus for the rest of the season.

The Winter break has arrived in the Premier League and so far all clubs have used this time to rest and recuperate but how long will this last?

With money hungry clubs wanting to open new markets and revenue streams will clubs he looking to incorporate a mid season money spinning game to a audience which usually has to wait for a pre season or post season tour??

Traditionalists like the football around this time of year, snow, heavy rain, cup games all helps fatigue to set in and championships can be won or lost as teams drop off the pace.

Will the winter break now prevent this from happening?.

The positive idea behind the mid season break in the Premier league is that English football will be the same as most of the other clubs in Europe. This means the English players will have that rest period going into international tournaments which might give them extra boost might help secure a international trophy.

The other big news of the week is the announcement that Manchester United are investigating these possibility of rail seats being installed at Old Trafford.

Since the tragedy of Hillsbrough and Heysel the Football Association and the government banned terraces at the highest level of the game which has created in some cases soaless football grounds with no atmosphere which ultimately hurts the game.

In Most European countries including our neighbors Scotland have already installed rail seats and allows people to stand at a football match in a orderly fashion and generate a atmosphere.

It remains to be seen if Manchester United and the rest of the premier league agree between themselves to allow rail seats into the premier league. Money is a big factor I feel in this situation, can clubs sell seats to supporters who want to going to the game if it’s not going be used?? 

Manchester United are back in action on Monday against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

Manchester United are currently 6 points adrift of the 4th place Chelsea and with games starting to run out is so important United try and close the gap. 

A win early in the season against Chelsea gave Ole and the fans confidence at the time that  Man Utd were on the right track, since then it’s been a bit inconsistent for Manchester United but I think Ole is confident he can get another result.

New signings Bruno Fernandes and Odion Ighalo will feature and Ole Gunna Solskjaer will be looking for a instant impact from both on Monday night to keep the confidence growing with the challenges that lay ahead of Manchester’s Red Devil’s.

Pictures from Man Utd social media

Blog by Rob Parkinson

Salford Red Devils v Huddesfield Giants Match report

After a miserable few days on the weather front the rain held off at the AJ Bell Stadium for Salford’s clash with Huddersfield. 

The Giants match with Leeds had been postponed last weekend but after an excellent away victory in round one at Catalans in Perpignan, Simon Woolford’s team were looking for two more points on the road. 

Salford started the game on the front foot forcing drop outs to test the visitors defence. Kris Welham came up with a piece of centre play right out of the top drawer to put Ken Sio in with a shout of a try but he was marginally in touch. 

The video referee was called in to action in the thirteenth minute as Sio again looked to squeeze in at the corner. Referee James Child awarded a try on the field but this was over turned after checking the various replays.

Huddersfield took the lead with a try from Adam O Brien. The busy Giants hooker snatching a try from close range. Aidan Sezer converted 0-6.

Ken Sio then made it third time lucky after slick passing from Niall Evalds and Kevin Brown put him over to score. Tui Lolohea’s goal attempt fell well short, 4-6.

It’s fair to say the first half had become a real arm wrestle. Neither side getting on top and not much fluidity in attack. 

The first action of the second half saw Tyrone McCarthy kick through for Evalds who desperately tried to pinch the try. The video referee was again called in to action and the try was denied.

Salford kept the pressure on and moments later they were rewarded when all action centre Dan Sarginson crashed over to nudge the Red Devils in front. Lolohea booted the goal of the touch line to put his side ahead 10-6.

Former Canberra Raiders star Sezer began to pull the strings for the Giants. Some of his kicks were slightly off kilter but his wonderful cut out pass found young winger Louis Senior who touched down to level the scores at 10-10.

Huddersfield took the ascendancy and began to play with a renewed energy. Jordan Turner forced a drop out as the pressure ramped up an extra few notches. To Salford’s credit their defence was up to the task.

Hard working Welham dumped Senior into touch with a crunching tackle as both sides scrapped for field position and territorial advantage.

As the match entered the closing five minutes it looked like a drop goal would be the favoured option for either side to grab the glory. Lolohea had a go but his kicked was dragged well wide of the mark. 

What happened next certainly cost Salford the match. Referee Child looked to have a awarded Salford a penalty within kicking distance. A huge fracas followed with Kevin Brown in the middle of it. The Red Devils scrum half was sent to the sin bin for a challenge on Turner. The Giants were awarded the penalty and moved down the pitch on the attack. Lee Mossop was pinged for off side bang in front of the posts with two minutes remaining. Sezer took the gift penalty goal on offer to wrap up the two points to send the Giants back to West Yorkshire with the narrow win. 

Salford coach Ian Watson took plenty of positives from the match and feels his new look side are improving despite the defeat. “A couple of bad reads meant we conceded two rubbish tries really. We’ll fix them up we just know that theirs certain things that we can be better at and improve at if we are going to be a top team”. 

Salford are at home again next Saturday when they face Leeds Rhinos at the AJ Bell Stadium. 

Final score Salford 10 Huddersfield 12.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures by Steve McCormick