It was a really grey and wet day leading up to kick off. The pitch looked fairly greasing and a good kicking game would most certainly be the key to victory as Wigan hosted Salford.

The Red Devils last match was a fortnight ago when they met Leeds at Headingley. Wigan came into the match on the back of a thumping win over Leigh Centurions. The Warriors had lost Brad Singleton and Oliver Partington through suspension after a bad tempered clash with local rivals Leigh last Sunday.

Salford coach Richard Marshall made changes to his side. Dan Sarginson returned to play in the centres. Joe Burgess started on the wing and Danny Addy started at loose forward.

Salford spurned an early chance to kick for goal from a penalty before Wigan applied the pressure. The Warriors scored the first points of the match when Willie Isa fed young winger Sam Halsall who finished well in the corner.

The Red Devils struck back with a similar try of their own. Harvey Livett’s neat off load found Joe Burgess who took his chance really well to level the score.

Joe Burgess with an excellent finish for Salford’s only try.

Josh Johnson and Morgan Smithies we’re sin binned with Salford bizarrely awarded the penalty.

Despite chances in the first half being very limited both sides continued to battle it out toe to toe. Livett decided to kick for goal after Salford were awarded a penalty right on the half time hooter. The hard working second rower nailed it to send the Red Devils in with a well deserved 4-6 lead.

It’s an old cliche in sport about a game of two halves but this match will go down as just that from a Salford point of view. For one reason or another Richard Marshall’s men went missing in the second half with mistakes and penalties hampering their chances of victory. Harry Smith kicked two penalty goals to edge Wigan in front.

Salford lacked direction and runners. With Ata Hingano, Chris Atkin, Kevin Brown and Tui Lolohea on the pitch their seemed too many chiefs and not enough Indians at times.

Andy Ackers on the burst.

Hingano was sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Jackson Hastings and Smith took advantage with another penalty.

Sam Powell’s try sealed the match for the home side as Salford continued to implode.

A very vocal away following from Salford were left disappointed after a match with very little to write home about.

The Red Devils return to action next Friday when they face Huddersfield at the AJ Bell Stadium.

Wigan 16 Salford 6.

Paul Whiteside.

Pictures thanks to Steve McCormick.