MATCH REPORT – SALFORD RED DEVILS 24-20 WARRINGTON WOLVES (BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 25)

Sam Stone’s golden point try earned Salford Red Devils a HUGE two points in the race for the playoffs.

It was a scrappy, nail-biting contest for everybody involved, but it was Paul Rowley’s men who leave the Salford Stadium with a massive boost going into the final two Betfred Super League fixtures.

The tone was set early on, with Joe Burgess spilling Josh Drinkwater’s high bomb and Matty Nicholson picking up the pieces to send Wire into the lead.

Errors were aplenty for both sides and a strong tackle from a host of Salford bodies forced an error from Matty Ashton – handing us a full set in dangerous territory.

Deon Cross danced past the Wire line with some neat footwork, but an ankle tap and a grab of the boot constituted a completed tackle for referee, Liam Moore, despite the centre jumping back up to slide over.

A similar situation arose down the other end just minutes later, when Paul Vaughan reached out an arm to try and ground the ball, but lost his grip on the stretch.

It was end-to-end stuff, with Peter Mata’utia the next penalty culprit via an incorrect play-the-ball.

From the resulting scrum, Danny Addy – who was outstanding across his two stints on the field – flicked a pass to Marc Sneyd, who released Ben Hellewell to skip past his man and slide over.

The atmosphere was cranked up another notch and went even louder when Chris Atkin and King Vuniyayawa dislodged the ball from Stefan Ratchford’s hands with a big hit.

Ackers picked up the loose ball and launched a looping pass to the wide-open Brodie Croft, who gleefully fired us into a half-time lead.

HALF-TIME: Salford Red Devils 12-6 Warrington Wolves

It was dΓ©jΓ  vu for Salford early in the second-half, with Ken Sio this time spilling a high bomb and allowing Ben Currie to steal a match to level proceedings.

There was some good goal-line D to follow that error, but just when everyone felt like we were gaining territory, a high tackle allowed Ratchford to knock over a penalty-goal.

Croft was so often the architect of our attacking play this afternoon and broke the line with a lightening bit of footwork, to dig us out of another hole.

That move – despite Ackers almost releasing Brierley – ultimately came to nothing, but it was certainly a catalyst for a bit of pressure on the Wire line.

On the last, the same source tried to stab a grubber kick which fortunately ricocheted back into his path for an easy stroll over the line.

Sneyd sent over the extras and Salford held a four point lead with 25 minutes remaining.

It wasn’t long until we had the next twist, with George Williams breaking his challenge to crash over under the posts.

The Reds began to probe again and had five minutes to effectively keep their playoff hopes alive.

Wire handed us a lifeline when some confusion on their own line meant a forward pass was played and Sneyd brought the game back level with the kicking tee.

In the process, our incredible number seven notched his 2000th Super League point – a phenomenal achievement.

FULL-TIME: Salford Red Devils 20-20 Warrington Wolves

To golden point we went and Sneyd was the first in range to try a drop-goal.

His effort – despite looking destined to sail straight through – crashed off the left post and back into play.

Wire failed to make much ground; but neither did Salford and on the fourth play, a moment of magic from Burgess won us the game.

Brad Singleton, who went from villain to hero, threw a cut-out pass to Tim Lafai, who quickly got it out the back to our flying winger.

His silky footwork sold Thewlis and despite another attempted ankle tap by Drinkwater, he managed to stay on his feet and tee up the supporting Sam Stone to send the South Stand into raptures.

Two massive points, with another cup final to come next weekend against fellow playoff chasing Hull KR.

END OF GOLDEN POINT: Salford Red Devils 24-20 Warrington Wolves

Photo credit: Steve McCormick

MATCH PREVIEW – SALFORD RED DEVILS VS WARRINGTON WOLVES (BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 25)

It simply does not get bigger than this.

The most crucial game of our season so far, as we welcome playoff rivals, Warrington Wolves to the Salford Stadium, in Round 25 of the Betfred Super League.

Sitting just two points behind today’s visitors, a win would bring us back level, with just two games remaining.

After a mid-season slump, the Wire have returned to form with two excellent victories against Hull FC and Castleford Tigers in recent weeks.

They were leading the way for a lot of the campaign, but will now want to confirm a spot in the top six, at the very least.

We were well-beaten by Wigan Warriors in our last encounter, but spirits are still high and the squad are focused on getting the job done later today.

Here’s everything you need to know before this one:


SQUAD NEWS

The major squad changes have come in the suspension department.

Despite managing to overturn King Vuniyayawa’s ban on appeal, Kallum Watkins and Oliver Partington remain suspended for today’s clash after Grade B offences.

Matt Costello, Adam Sidlow and James Greenwood all return to the 21 following minor injury concerns, whilst Rhys Williams, Alex Gerrard and Shane Wright remain long-term absentees.


INU’S PREVIEW

Reflecting on last Friday’s performance, Assistant Coach, Krisnan Inu was on media duties and said the boys are doing everything they can to get themselves ready to bounce back against Warrington.

“The boys are looking alright,” Inu began.

“Obviously a few battered bodies, same as any other team at this stage in the season, so the boys are looking after themselves and preparing for Sunday.”

Looking ahead to our final three games, Inu highlighted the next two as pivotal, with the Red Devils set to take on Hull KR after this Sunday’s game with the Wire.

“They’re the two big ones. Looking at the ladder, we’re the three that are competing for that fifth and sixth spot, so every game is big to us – especially at this time of the season.

“Every game is a final, so we’ll treat this one like a final and make sure we get our boys ready for this weekend.”

You can watch Inu’s press conference in full by clicking HERE.


HOW TO BUY TICKETS

There is still time to join us at the Salford Stadium this afternoon.

It’s a big occasion for both sides, so click HERE to secure your place. Alternatively, you can visit our ticket office in person prior to kick-off.


STEADFAST EPOXY FLOORING AND EDSTART SPORTS COACHING SPONSOR SALFORD RED DEVILS VS WARRINGTON WOLVES CLASH

We would like to extend a huge thank you to this Sunday’s match day and match ball sponsors, Steadfast Epoxy Flooring and Edstart Sports Coaching.

This fixture needs no introduction; every time Salford Red Devils face Warrington Wolves, there is always keen eyes on the outcome.

However, with a playoff spot on the line, this one has got that little more exciting.

Live on Channel 4, Paul Rowley’s men will be looking to bounce back from defeat against Wigan Warriors last Friday, at the expense of a direct rival.

Highlighting our match day sponsors, Steadfast Epoxy Flooring!

As well as sponsoring this crucial fixture, they have been the season-long sponsor of Samoan international and World Cup finalist, Tim Lafai.

Highlighting our match ball sponsor, Edstart Sports Coaching!

At Edstart, they believe sport is a great way to kick-start wellbeing, and build firm foundations for later life.

Most importantly – it’s lots of fun!

They work to nurture and develop fitness, social skills, and positivity in every child, encouraging them every step of the way.

Edstart is the leading sports provider in delivering quality sessions, creating peace of mind and trust within parents and schools having their children in our care.

Click HERE to head to their website and find out more.


SHUTTLE BUS SERVICE AVAILABLE FOR WARRINGTON WOLVES CLASH

We are pleased that our popular shuttle bus service will be in operation for this weekend’s fixture against Warrington Wolves.

This means you can plan an easy, stress-free route to and from the Salford Stadium. Please note, charges on these services do now apply and you can see the rates below:

Singles:

  • Adult: Β£2
  • Child: Β£1
  • Concession card holders and System One ticket holders scan their passes.

Returns:

  • Adult: Β£3
  • Child: Β£1.50

Shuttles will be departing every 15 minutes from BAY 1 at 10:45am until 12:30pm, with return services beginning at 2:30pm and running every 15 minutes until 2:45pm.

A map of the Trafford Centre, plus the walking route from the nearest Metrolink can be found below.



Salford Red Devils and Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity partner to tackle homelessness in Greater Manchester

Salford Red Devils today announce a partnership with Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity and will champion the brand new campaign, Circle Home – Greater Manchester’s biggest ever sponsored walk.

Further to our participation in Super League’s annual β€˜Tackle the Tough Stuff’ campaign, Salford Red Devils today announce that we are dedicating our home game against Warrington Wolves – 12.45pm, 10th September – to tackling homelessness and championing the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity’s brand-new campaign, Circle Home.

Circle Home will take place across the weekend of 8th September to 11th September. Everyone in Greater Manchester is invited to complete one or more stages of the GM Ringway- Greater Manchester’s Walking Trail. This walking trail is divided into 20 stages, circling the whole of the city-region. Each start and finish point is accessible by public transport. The event is also partnered with GM Moving, the Business Growth Hub, and JCI Manchester.

With every mile covered, the pounds raised will change lives. Would-be walkers are encouraging to find out more and start fundraising by visiting the page here.

On Friday 8th September, one of the many walks over the weekend will begin at the Salford Stadium with further efforts showcasing just how to give back to our local community, hosting Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity at the game, spreading awareness of the incredible work across Greater Manchester to end homelessness, and sharing details about how to get involved.

Paul King, Managing Director of Salford Red Devils said:  

“We are so proud to give our support to this campaign and to be working with the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity in spotlighting and tackling one of our region’s most urgent of social issues.

We are committed to being there for our community – just as our community are so often there for us – and we look forward to welcoming everyone to the Salford Stadium in September.”

There’s lots of ways people can get involved in Circle Home weekender, whether a business taking your team or clients out to explore what Greater Manchester has to offer, or spending time with family and friends in the great outdoors.

Circle Home is aimed at getting people out enjoying Greater Manchester’s stunning natural spaces, all while raising money for a good cause.

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said:

“I am always inspired by the community of Greater Manchester coming out in droves to support Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity in their mission to end rough sleeping and homelessness across our city-region. What we’re doing is working. But we cannot stop now. 

Circle Home offers everyone in Greater Manchester the opportunity to reap the benefits of exploring the great outdoors whilst raising money for an important cause. It’s great to launch this event in partnership with Salford Red Devils, a community club doing their bit for the community. Their support means a lot to the charity.”

Dr Fran Darlington-Pollock, Head of Strategic Development at Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity said:

“People connect with sport. We are delighted that we can work with community owned Salford Red Devils to champion efforts to tackle homelessness across Greater Manchester, spreading awareness at one of their home games and launching our exciting active campaign, Circle Home.

Circle Home brings together so many organisations across Greater Manchester, and connects with the people and place of our city-region in such a powerful way. We’re excited to bring the people of Greater Manchester an event to return to year-on-year, raising funds to end homelessness while connecting with the wonderful place that we call home.”

Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here.

This article has been edited to reflect a newly announced kick-off time of 12.45pm, 10th September.

U19S’ SEMI-FINAL BATTLE-TO-THE-END PROVES IN VAIN

Warrington 34  Salford 32                             Match Report

The Salford Red Devils U19s College Academy were, sadly, eliminated yesterday from the knockout cup, in the cruellest possible round – the semi-final –  when they went down to Warrington Wolves, who had the significant advantage of having secured the home advantage of Victoria Park.

On a fine, sunny afternoon, even with a strong breeze blowing along, and up the pitch, it was the noticeable slope, end to end, which had the greatest effect on proceedings on field, with the Wolves having its advantage in the first forty minutes.

In what proved to be a most enthralling and evenly balanced encounter, the lead changed hand on no less than four occasions.Β  The entertainment factor was evident throughout, as the teams went almost turn-and-turn-about to score and thereby provided a total of thirteen tries, with the extra one going Warrington’s way.

It was they who opened the scoring, in the ninth minute, immediately after Salford second rower, Jimmy Shields, had been ruled to have grounded the ball short of the line, at the other end.Β  There was no such doubt, though when prop, Euan Haynes, charged through to score to the left of the posts, and Charlie Glover converted to put the visitors ahead, 4-6.

It was however the sin-binning of loose forward, Glover, in the first half, followed by the complete dismissal of substitute Luke Isles, some twelve minutes from full time, both for dissent, which impacted significantly on the team’s aspirations to progress, with their hosts crossing twice in that first ten minute spell, to run up a 14-6 lead, on 30 minutes.

Fortunately, Glover’s return came in time for him to be able to convert George Charnock’s try, which pulled the Red Devils back into contention, and indeed, he added another two points, onto Shields’s this time more successful grounding, on 36 minutes, after Warrington had restored their eight-point advantage, a few minutes earlier.

So with the half-time score of 20 -18 to the Wolves, there was considerable optimism, within the Salford ranks that they could triumph, and indeed Haynes was most unfortunate to have the ball stripped from him over the line, in one of the first moves of the half.  It was their opponents, however, who briefly increased their advantage to 24, following a Salford dropped ball on 46 minutes.

The Red Devils’ best spell by far came in a fifteen-minute spell, when three tries, from Josh Bentley, Ellis Kelly, and Charnock’s second, put them into a respectable, if not comfortable, 24-32 lead, with less than twenty minutes left.Β 

Even though Warrington pulled back four points, it was not until the visitors’ numbers were depleted for the second time, that they were able to regain the lead with one final try in the corner, which, with the help of the wind, was converted from the touchline.

Regretfully, the much dreamed upon final against Castleford, therefore, must remain just that – a dream.Β  A little more luck, at times, would not have come amiss, whilst having to cope a player short for a quarter of the game turns a hill into a small mountain.Β  Remarkable and creditable, therefore, was the fact that they came so close to achieving that dream.

RED DEVILS IN DEPTH: WARRINGTON V SALFORD

For the second week in succession, Salford Red Devils had a half time lead expunged during the second period, to end up with a loss that had appeared most unlikely, as the teams trooped off for the half-time interval, in this Round 3 fixture at the home of the Warrington Wolves.

That the home side had opened 2023 with two most impressive victories, at home to Leeds and away at Huddersfield, must have hung over the visiting Salford fans, prior to kick-off, but such anxieties were quickly dissipated despite a Warrington try in the eighth minute, for there was a definite step up by the Reds, from the previous week’s performance against Hull KR.

The tactics based around their slick, wonderfully entertaining qualities might well have not changed but the execution of them was markedly better than the previous week, with every pass being so much more telling, and the gaps opening up more easily and effectively, as a result.

Their first, and equalising try, on eleven minutes, was a consequence of some precisionally timed, and accurately executed, passes, as the ball was moved along the line to Joe Burgess who unsurprisingly had had his opposite number sucked in-field, and so was completely in the clear to race down the wing before sending an equally effective and accurate pass inside to the supporting Ellis Longstaff, who must have revelled in crossing the line against his parent club, on their own pitch.

In addition, the Red Devils had learned from their previous experience the importance of muscling up in the physical aspects of the game.Β  Twice, in the opening twenty-five minutes, Tyler Dupree made clean breaks through the Wolves’ defence, brushing off attempted tackles and making great yardage up the field to build up good field position.Β  Not only he, but the remaining members of the pack were eager to make their presence felt, with Ollie Partington at the centre of so much of both attacking play and defensive efforts.

Last week, the problem was that they had failed to build a sufficiently comfortable lead, after their opening four pointer.  Not so, this time out, with first yet another interception by Ken Sio which saw him make progress before setting up Ryan Brierley, who showed terrific speed to get over for another. 

With Marc Sneyd’s being on target with both conversion attempts, his third effort was to tack on the extras to his own try, when he hoodwinked the Wires’ defence and coasted through.Β  He rounded off the first stanza with an additional two points from a penalty goal, which meant that by half time, there was a clear fourteen points difference between the sides, as opposed to the four, against Hull KR.

It is extremely doubtful that there was anyone who did not expect a response in some form or other from this Warrington side, so impressive in previous weeks, and our players will have certainly prepared themselves for such, but, when it came, it was in a form that was extremely difficult to do anything about, for quite simply they were most cleverly deprived of the ball, being in possession for less than ten minutes of the forty.Β  Without it, all anyone can do is tackle, tackle, and keep on tackling in the hope that it will come around to them, eventually.

All that tackling takes it toll, however, on energy levels, knocks and the like sustained in the collisions, and with a sense of frustration building up, which can then affect effectiveness on the few occasions possession does come their way.  One wayward pass to Joe Burgess, on the first tackle of a set, which went behind him and straight into touch, was merely symptomatic of this.

The Wolves took possession straight from Salford’s half-time kick-off, and proceeded to start as many as seven sets and retain possession for almost nine minutes.  The Reds’ one chance of stemming this tide came at the end of the first set, the high kick from which was left completely unclaimed by anyone on the field, and the ball, having been allowed to bounce, ricocheted up and backwards into the arms of Warrington, who were quickly afterwards awarded a penalty, which triggered a set restart.

From that point on, they found ploy after ploy to reclaim the ball for yet another set. The problem then became compounded by defenders conceding penalties, set restarts, and even a sin-binning, which on this occasion proved to be so crucial, in their increasingly tiring endeavours to styme the waves of attack thrown at them.Β  So good, though, was the Salford defence in the early stages of the half that there were times when the Wolves actually ended up further back than they had started the set.

Significant, however, was the Reds’ seeming difficulty to deal with the high, short-distance, hanging kicks, which their hosts seemed to be able to reclaim, with some regularity.  Williams’s kick into the corner for Thewlis’s try was probably their highlight of these, and if the final score-line seems a little unfair to the luckless Red Devils, it was, in part, because it was adversely affected by two, eight-point tries, the first of these being this one, with Dupree being adjudged to have fouled the scorer after the grounding.

So, after four months of the close season, during which coaches of other sides have had chance to weigh up how to deal with the flamboyant attacking style of the Salford Red Devils, we have twice now seen the use of tactical kicking as a partial means of starving them of sufficient possession to be the threat they can be.  It is now up to Salford to work on dealing with this in readiness for next week’s trip to Hull. FC

MATCH REPORT – WARRINGTON WOLVES 36-20 SALFORD RED DEVILS (BETFRED SUPER LEAGUE ROUND 3)

Warrington Wolves produced a second-half comeback to beat Salford Red Devils 36-20 in Round 3 of the Betfred Super League.

Paul Rowley’s outfit started the game on the front foot and Tyler Dupree was the first to break Warrington’s defensive line with a positive, charging run.

The Red Devils were playing with a relentless intensity; potentially typified by Ryan Brierley tipping a neat grubber kick from George Williams back to Joe Burgess in his own in-goal area to charge out and start another attack.

Wire, however, opened the scoring with their next set of six. Williams sent a grubber into the left corner for Ben Currie to chase, with the number 11 stretching just ahead of Brierley to touch down.

Salford bounced straight back and got on the board through Ellis Longstaff. Oliver Partington did superbly to bounce his defender and tee up Andy Ackers; the hooker got it started through multiple hands and Burgess’ break on the left allowed the debutant some space to collect and slide over.

Rowley’s men found their groove and started to play the ball quicker and quicker. Ken Sio spotted a chance to intercept 20 metres out from our own try line and clung on to spring a rapid Salford attack.

Brierley was in support with open field, but he still had so much to do to hand his side the lead. Racing downfield, our number one jinked outside Matt Dufty to slide over in the right corner.

And it wasn’t long till Salford were over again. Marc Sneyd skipped across the Warrington line on the last and spotted a gap to squeeze through and extend the lead – converting his own try.

There was even time for Sneyd to add a penalty-goal before the break, after the hosts were penalised for a high tackle.

HALF-TIME: Warrington Wolves 6-20 Salford Red Devils

Warrington took control of the game at the start of the second 40, with Ashton getting them back into the game via an acrobatic finish in the left corner – despite the best efforts of Brodie Croft.

Salford were defending repeat set after repeat set on their own try line and showed incredible grit to come away unscathed at times, but the game changed when Brierley was sent to the sin bin for holding down.

Not even a minute later, Thomas Mikaele powered under the sticks and Stefan Ratchford converted to bring Wire within two.

Daryl Powell’s side were dominating the play and Williams played the ball quickly to skip a few challenges to find space on the right. His chipped kick was easily gathered by Josh Thewlis to go over unopposed.

It was the same source who extended Warrington’s advantage moments later. Watkins lost his footing and Williams was quick to spot the opportunity and slide over to the left of the sticks.

The game had got away from the Red Devils and Matt Dufty made sure of the two points by latching onto Peter Mata’utia’s offload.

Just like Mikaele’s effort earlier in the half, the referee decided to award Ratchford the opportunity to add two more in front of the sticks for a penalty when Dufty grounded the original try.

FULL-TIME: Warrington Wolves 36-20 Salford Red Devils

GALLERY – WIRE IN ROUND 3!

After falling to defeat in our first home game of the season last week, Paul Rowley’s Salford Red Devils will be looking to bounce back against a tough Warrington Wolves side.

Currently sat top of the table – winning two from two – Daryl Powell’s men will be raring to go, but it was the Red Devils who staged a stunning comeback at the same ground last season.

Here’s some of our favourite shots from the pre-Wire captain’s run:

Photo credit – Steve McCormick

WARRINGTON WOLVES VS SALFORD RED DEVILS – TICKET INFORMATION

Tickets are now on sale for Salford Red Devils’ trip to Warrington Wolves in Round 3 of the Betfred Super League.

This particular fixture is on Thursday 2nd March, with an 8pm kick-off. Live on Sky Sports, it’s set to be a mouthwatering 80 minutes, with the Red Devils’ previous visit to the Halliwell Jones Stadium still fresh in supporters minds.

Despite trailing with 20 minutes to play, a Jack Ormondroyd double spearheaded a stunning comeback that kick-started our late push for the playoffs.

Tickets for this game are now available from the Salford Stadium directly from the ticket office or over the phone on 0161 786 1570, option one. Our ticket office opening times can be found below.

If you cant get down to the stadium you can purchase online HERE.

Prices for this particular fixtures are as follows:

Standing

         Seating             Available
Adult Β£24 Β£29 Online/in person/by phone
Senior (65+) Β£18 Β£20 Online/in person/by phone
17-23 Β£18 Β£20 Online/in person/by phone
12-16 Β£12 Β£14 Online/in person/by phone
Under 12 Β£10 Β£12 Online/in person/by phone
Junior ST Β£5 Β£7 In person/by phone
Under 5 Free of charge Free of charge In person/by phone
Carer Free of charge Free of charge In person/by phone

Wheelchair Users will need to book directly with Warrington on 01925248888. For travel to the HWJ stadium, please click HERE.

Tickets for this particular fixture will go off sale on Wednesday 1st March.

Tickets are on a first come first serve basis and we hope to sell out of our allocation.

We would like to take this opportunity to remind you that Salford Red Devils receive commission on all tickets pre-purchased from Salford Stadium and nothing from on the day sales, so we urge you to buy your tickets from us direct.

Find us on twitter

Find us on Instagram

Sign up to the official newsletter