Red Devils keep the Vikings at bay

Despite a thrilling comeback by the Widnes Vikings, the Red Devils dug deep to seal a 28-20 win over their local rivals.
When the Red Devils and the Vikings come together it’s always an exciting game of rugby league and Sunday was no different.
The home side made a fantastic start as powerhouse Justin Carney crossed in the corner after repeat penalties conceded by the Vikings. Michael Dobson successfully kicked his first of three conversions.
Two minutes later and the Red Devils were over again through Man of the Match Mark Flanagan after a fantastic break from Rob Lui.
Gareth O’Brien was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes shortly after but the Red Devils powered on with 12 men and stood strong against the Vikings.
Supporters had to wait a little longer for the next two tries but they kept on coming. The first through Greg Johnson who positioned himself well to collect a Dobson grubber kick to the left corner, Josh Griffin missed the conversion.
Ben Murdoch-Masila was a force to be reckoned with as he tackled the Vikings in goal and stole the ball to almost cross himself. Josh Griffin did successfully cross for the Red Devils just moments later and Gareth O’Brien kicked the conversion to extend the lead to 22-0.
Just before half time Kevin Brown kicked a fantastic 40/20 kick to give the Vikings a great position and moments later they crossed through fullback Rhys Hanbury. Hanbury missed the conversion. Chris Houston added another try for the visitors just before half time and Hanbury successfully converted.
Half Time Score – Salford Red Devils 22-10 Widnes Vikings
Widnes came out firing for the second half, as a great break down the wing saw Stefan Marsh lessen the gap between the two sides to just 8 points.
Both sides had their fair share of chances during the second half but Dobson and O’Brien failed to handle a loose ball with ten minutes of the game remaining and Corey Thompson capitalised on the opportunity and scored. Hanbury converted the try to take the score to 22-20.
With the clock ticking down, Red Devils Captain Tommy Lee kicked a brilliant 40/20 to ease the pressure on the Salford line and gift the home side ideal field position.
Repeat penalties conceded by the Vikings gave the Red Devils prime opportunity to score and Mark Flanagan crossed for his second of the game just right of the sticks to seal victory.
Michael Dobson successfully converted the try to extend the lead. With just minutes remaining the Vikings tried everything to cross over the line but the Red Devils defence stood strong.
Full Time Score – Salford Red Devils 28-20 Widnes Vikings
 
For our next game the Red Devils travel to Wigan Warriors this Thursday 25^th February, KO 8pm at the DW Stadium.
Tickets are available from the ticket office at the The Salford Stadium by calling 0161 786 1570.