The thick red wall of defence smashed the Saints as we refuse nowadays to lose, even with twelve men. Salford did us proud to not only beat St Helens but, at times, the ref as well. That's three straight wins and third, and joint top, in the Super League.
The game began as a real arm wrestle, with Ben Murdoch-Masila making some hits, Tasi outstanding and former Red, Theo Fages, off with a head injury after only a few minutes. But Salford opened the scoring, Michael Dobson kicking a penalty after twenty minutes in front of the south stand.
Salford then lost Greg Johnson with an injury, replaced by Todd Carney, and with ten minutes to go to half time, there was nothing asked and nothing given by both teams as Salford proved they are a match for anyone, even when getting nothing off the ref.
Five minutes before the break, the Reds got their reward, Craig Kopczak going over and Dobson converting to make it 8-0. It was a top time to score, after some brilliant defensive work from Salford.
Minutes into the second half Dobson was put through by Koppy's bulldozing break, with Gareth O'Brien converting to make it 14-0. The Saints got back into the game, as prop Alex Walmsley barged over from close range on 51 minutes, with Mark Percival adding the goal to make it 14-6.
Salford then relied on some brilliant defensive work as St Helens threw everything at us, the fans playing their part as 'Salford...Salford...Salford' rang around the ground. However, on the hour mark, Ryan Morgan went over in the corner to cut the gap and give Saints some hope.
With Robbie Lui sin-binned for preventing a quick restart, Salford's defence continued to hold out and Dobson made sure of the points by scoring his second try with six minutes left, and converting to make it 22-10. With the game nearing its end the referee gave Saints a dubious penalty under the posts, Lomax taking advantage to end the scoring... 22-14.
After the game I spoke with Peter Clifford from Winton who said; "Churchill said we will beat them in the trenches, we beat you in the war, when St Helens go home please check the score..." He seemed made up. Me personally, I cannot wait till next Friday. Hull away, which has got to be worth having a day off work for. Kept the faith, now it is paying off...
Photos by Gareth Lyons
To see more of Gareth's photos from the match - click here
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
(3).jpeg)
.png)
(1).JPG)
