With both sides spending a few seasons between them outside the top flight there’s been just ten meetings at Salford during the Super League era. Over the past few seasons the Vikings have brought an exciting crop of youngsters through. A frustrating time on the pitch led to the departure of coach Dennis Betts after almost 8 years in charge last month. Former Leeds winger Francis Cummins who was Betts’s assistant is now in temporary charge of the club.

With just three victories so far this season the cards are stacked against Widnes in their top eight challenge. Earlier this season The Vikings beat Salford 24-16 at the Select Security Stadium. In fact that match in March was their last victory in Super League. Since then they’ve lost nine straight in the league. A solitary cup win over Coventry their only highlight recently.

Both sides are desperate to get back to winning ways and with recent injury problems emerging at Salford Ian Watson may well have to shuffle his side round once again. Widnes can be a dangerous opposition with some clever players in their ranks including Rhys Hansbury, Joe Mellor and the ever green

Aaron Heremaia this is a game not to be missed.

Super League Home Record

Salford 7

Draws 0

Widnes 3

2002 Salford 20 Widnes 24

2004 Salford 24 Widnes 12

2004 Salford 14 Widnes 13

2005 Salford 34 Widnes 16

2012 Salford 8 Widnes 46

2013 Salford 4 Widnes 24

2014 Salford 36 Widnes 6

2015 Salford 36 Widnes 8

2016 Salford 28 Widnes 20

2017 Salford 30 Widnes 10

They played for both

There are quite a lot to be honest so I’ve selected a few from years gone by and some from not so long ago.

Richie Barnett, keith Bentley, Eric Prescott, Craig Coleman, Jason Critchley, John Duffy, Cliff Eccles, Ensene Famailo, Joe Famailo, Matt Gardner, Aaron Moule, Adrian Hadley, Karl Hammond, Tim Hartley, Gareth Hock, Rangi Chase, David Hulme, Craig Makin, Stephen Myler, Richie Myler, Stephen Nash, Gareth O Brien, Terry O Connor, Kieran O Loughlin, Lokeni Savelio, Trevor Stockley, Kevin Tamati, David Myers, Steve Tyrer and Phil Waring.

A match to remember Sunday 22 February 2004

Salford 24 Widnes 12.

After a fantastic 2003 season finishing top of the table, with victories in both The Arrive Trains Cup Final and the 1st Division Grand Final Salford were back in the big time. Karl Harrison’s well drilled and entertaining sides first Super League match of 2004 was a home fixture against Widnes Vikings. Many pundits had already written Salford off but Harrison had made some very shrewd signings to go with the nice blend of youth and experience he already had. Joel Caine, Sean Rutgerson and Mark Shipway arrived from Australia. With Winger Anthony Stewart Joining from St Helens. Utility forward Andy Johnson was also brought in from Castleford.

Gavin Clinch, Andy Coley and Stuart Littler scored Salford’s tries with Joel Caine kicking five goals. Chris Charles with another goal securing the win for the home side. With over 5,000 in attendance at The Willows that day it was a perfect start to 2004. Widnes were indeed no mugs after finishing just four points off the top six playoffs the previous season.

The teams that day were;

Salford City Reds: Flowers; Caine, Littler, Stewart, Kirk; Beverley, Clinch; Coley, Alker, Haggerty, Rutgerson, Shipway, Moana. Subs: Johnson, Charles, Highton, Fitzpatrick.

Widnes Vikings: Atcheson; Robinson, Bird, Hughes, Giles; J O’Neill, Lawford; Relf, Millward, JF O’Neill, McCurrie, Hay, Finnegan. Subs: Wozniak, Hobson, Mills, Rowlands.

Thursday’s Match

The battle for the top eight has livened up considerably in the past few weeks with a real turn around in form for Catalan Dragon’s and Huddersfield Giants.

Widnes recently parted company with long serving coach Dennis Betts. The Vikings currently sit bottom of the table with six points four behind Salford.

Hull Kr came up with a shock win over Wigan a few weeks ago and look tough to beat on their home ground. Salford visit The Robins at the start of next month. Ian Watson’s Red Devils are on a losing run of six consecutive games including a Challenge cup defeat at Leigh. To add extra spice to this crunch fixture Weller Hauraki surprisingly left Salford last week to join Widnes on loan for the rest of the season and could well be playing against his old team mates. Vikings duo Greg Burke and Ed Chamberlain have both joined Salford on loan. As the pressure builds defeat is unthinkable for both sides.

Enjoy the game everyone , Paul Whiteside.