A Day in the Life of a Salford Fan...
The Red Devils ended their 23 year spell without a home win against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday at the AJ Bell Stadium with a superb 14-10 victory. The game was scoreless for 23 minutes, as the Red Devils had to defend multiple strong Leeds sets on Salford's own line.
It was Logan Tomkins who finally opened the scoring after the Rhinos were penalised for offside. O'Brien successfully converted the try. Leeds were penalised again moments later in front of the sticks, vice-captain Michael Dobson opting to successfully kick the penalty to extend the Red Devils' lead. Just before half time, Justin Carney made a fantastic 40 metre break and was tackled near the line to give the Red Devils a prime opportunity to score. Half Time: Salford Red Devils 8 Leeds Rhinos 0.
Red Devils fans didn't have long to wait to see the Red Devils score again as man of the match Robert Lui scored on his return to the squad from injury just to the right of the sticks. Dobson successfully converted. After Salford conceded a penalty for a high tackle on Rob Burrow, the visitors finally took advantage of their position and Keith Galloway crossed. Hardaker converted.
Then Salford nearly gave it all away. The last eight minutes was nail-biting time for the Salford fans, Leeds coming at Salford like there was no tomorrow, trying to show their fans that they were in a wrong place at the foot of the table. But Salford were not going to be done out of this game...
With four minutes remaining, the Rhinos were over again in the right hand corner through Ashton Golding. Hardaker missed the conversion but the score was tight with just four points in it. Leeds had a good chance down the right wing but Carl Ablett knocked on with two minutes remaining, and the Red Devils used the time well.
Just before the hooter a grubber kick was almost chased down by the Rhinos but O'Brien collected to seal victory. The fans went wild celebrating a great deserved victory.
I asked Salford fan, Ian Archer, for his views on the game, and he was made up, pointing out that Robert Lui, the star man, had made a difference, and Logan Tompkins and Gaz O'Brien had stand out games. The team is now showing a certain steel, a force that can now get back up the table and challenge for honours.
I loved the pre-match entertainment in the beer tent too, where Salford 's own Cinnamon Dinner played a brilliant set. The song, Salford, says something to all the fans and I don't think it will be long before the crowd start to sing it on the terraces
Next up is Hunslet away in the Challenge Cup, and on this showing nobody will want to be drawn against Salford.
Full Time Score: Salford Red Devils 14 Leeds Rhinos10
Report by Simon Williams
Photos by Ian Archer
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