After last week's victory over Leigh, Salford were back in action at the AJ Bell Stadium against the Castleford Tigers. On a breezy evening which didn't feel like May was around the corner, the second half indiscipline cost the Red Devils dear.
Salford coach Richard Marshall once again made changes to the starting line-up. Krisnan Inu missed out with Harvey Livett slotting in at centre. Danny Addy returned from injury to start at loose forward and Kallum Watkins replaced the injured Matty Costello.
Ex-Red Devils Niall Evlads, Derrell Olpherts and Greg Eden started for the visitors; it was certainly strange to see Niall Evalds, who played nearly 150 games for the Reds, warming up in Castleford colours before the match.
Castleford had won their first three matches of the Super League season and were beaten in a close match last week at Wigan. With both sides meeting again next weekend in the Challenge Cup Quarter finals you sensed tonight would be a big test of Salford's progress so far.
First Half
The match started with a quick tempo, with both sides putting in some monster tackles. Every crunch and collision reverberated around the empty stands of the AJ Bell Stadium as both sides looked to place an early mark.
The Tigers struck first with a real opportunistic try from Greg Eden in the sixth minute on the Tigers' first attack of real prominence. Castleford re-gathered a high ball after a kick, Jake Trueman spotted the Red's defence out of position and kicked cross-field into space for Greg Eden to score unopposed.
Salford quickly struck back with a try of their own. Tui Lolohea thumped a high kick, Kallum Watkins leaped to claim the ball superbly before offloading to the supporting Kevin Brown who dived under the posts. Harvey Livett levelled the scores with the conversion to make the score 6-6.
Salford hit the lead moments later. Niall Evalds was trapped in-goal on the back of another good attacking kick this time from Brown. From the drop out the pressure was built. A strong Lee Mossop run halted on the Castleford line and Andy Ackers sneaked over from dummy half for a classic hooker's try. Harvey Livett added the conversion for the Red Devils to lead 12-6.
Castelford were level a little under five-minutes later, Paul McShane's clever offload to Michael Shenton allowed the Tigers to break down field. Shenton then found a charging Liam Watts who touched down. Danny Richardson levelled the scores with the conversion, and after a little over twenty minutes the scored were 12-12.
The high velocity end to end action continued through the first half. The odd mistake was made but Salford looked a much better side than of recent weeks. There was much more energy, more cohesive play and the kicking game from Brown and Lolohea was excellent with the right choices at the right times.
However, on the stroke of half-time Danny Addy conceded a cheap and needless penalty which saw Danny Richardson nailing the two points from around the half way line for the Tigers to once again hit the front. A very enjoyable and entertaining first half ended Salford Red Devils 12-14 Castleford Tigers.
Second Half
It took just two minutes for the first try of the second half. A Salford knock on put the Reds under pressure and a defensive clock off allowed the Tigers to increase their lead. Cheyse Blair touching down on the end of another neat kick from Jake Trueman 12-20.
It took some super Castleford defence to deny Andy Ackers his second try as Salford looked to hit back. But as the game progressed Salford started to concede soft penalties and when one fell in range Richardson took the two points on offer to edge the Tigers further in front 12-22.
The game started to slip away from Salford. Another repeat set was given away and some soft defending allowed Jake Truman to punish the Red Devils with another try after great work by Peter Mata'utia. The conversion was added for the Tigers to extend their lead to 12-28.
Conceding penalties became a real hindrance to Salford's progress in the second-half. A late shot on Richardson in front of the sticks from Lee Mossop saw the experienced prop sent to the sin-bin, the resulting penalty goal allowed Richardson the gift wrapped two points on offer.
Salford did show some spirit whilst down to twelve men and Kevin Brown provided another sublime kick to create Salford's third try. Lolohea touched down and Brown booted a super quick conversion. With eight minutes remaining the deficit was ten points (18-28), but unfortunately the Reds run out of time and Castleford saw the game out.
Analysis
There were definitely signs of improvement for the Red Devils but the second half discipline has to be a major concern for coach Richard Marshall. With five games gone in Super League the Red Devils have only tasted victory once. Perhaps next week's game in the Challenge Cup, away to Castleford, will provide a welcome break from Super League duty.
Salford 18 Castleford 28
Salford Red Devils: Kear, Sio, Watkins, Livett, Williams, Lolohea, Brown, Mossop, Ackers, Ikahihifo, Greenwood, Roberts, Addy, Atkin, Burke, Johnson, Ormondroyd.
Salford tries: Brown, Ackers, Lolohea
Salford goals: Livett (2), Brown (1)
Castleford Tigers: Evalds, Olpherts, Mata'utia, Shenton, Eden, Trueman, Richardson, Massey, McShane, Millington, Holmes, Sene-Lefao, Milner, Watts, Blair, Peachey, Martin.
Tries: Eden, Watts, Blair, Trueman
Goals: Richardson (6)
Referee: Robert Hicks
Main photo shows Tui Lolohea touching down
Report by Paul Whiteside
Photos by Mike Inkley and Gareth Lyons .
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