Over the years Wheldon Road has been a real graveyard for Salford. Even in the 1970s It was always a struggle there. Funnily enough though over the last few years it’s been a very enjoyable away day. The Red Devils have racked up some big scores with victories in the last four consecutive games at Castleford.

The Tigers have struggled so far this season after a dismal end to 2023. Two victories from their final twelve matches last year along with six defeats from six League matches so far this season is pretty disappointing to say the least.

Going back to the 1997 season, Salford’s first in the Super League and the Tigers lost their opening ten matches before beating us 12-10. Let’s hope that’s not an omen for Friday night.

Salford got back to winning ways last weekend with a very dominant performance at home to Leigh. The Leopards never gave in despite trailing 26-6 in the second half. Once again Marc Sneyd orchestrated the victory. I didn’t see much of him in his time at Hull except for the Cup Finals and his performances against Salford. For me though this is the best I’ve seen him play for Salford. I think goal kicking has a massive part to play in Rugby League and sometimes gets over looked. Sneyd has been faultless so far and going up in Sixes is a massive psychological advantage for the rest of the team. Ryan Brierley and Ethan Ryan both bagged braces against Leigh and Oliver Partington had a huge game in the pack.

It was nice to see Joe Mellor make his debut and he looked sharp around the ruck.

Super League away record.

Castleford 17

Draws 0

Salford 8

1997 Castleford 12 Salford 10

1998 Castleford 30 Salford 12

1999 Castleford 38 Salford 10

2000 Castleford 30 Salford 4

2001 Castleford 22 Salford 24

2002 Castleford 24 Salford 2

2004 Castleford 32 Salford 36

2004 Castleford 22 Salford 24

2006 Castleford 28 Salford 26

2009 Castleford 52 Salford 16

2010 Castleford 30 Salford 12

2011 Castleford 52 Salford 20

2012 Castleford 34 Salford 30

2013 Castleford 44 Salford 30

2014 Castleford 14 Salford 10

2015 Castleford 30 Salford 16

2016 Castleford 16 Salford 32

2017 Castleford 38 Salford 14

2018 Castleford 22 Salford 8

2019 Castleford 24 Salford 20

2020 Castleford 37 Salford 30 ( behind closed doors Headingley)

2021 Castleford 18 Salford 70

2022 Castleford 16 Salford 26

2022 Castleford 10 Salford 50

2023 Castleford 10 Salford 42

They played for both.

Throughout the Super League era there have been plenty of players who have played for both clubs and quite a few through the 1970s and 80s.

Here is a selection of them.

Paul Fletcher, Paul Orr, Bill Kirkbride, Jonny Ward, Barry Kear, Ron Hill, Ian Bragger, Justin Carney, Chris Charles, Jason Critchley, Luke Dorn, Greg Eden, Jake Emmit, Jason Flowers, Matt Gardner, Ashley Gibson, Wayne Godwin, Weller Hauraki, Lee Jewitt, Michael Korkidas, Francis Maloney, Mike Platt, Darren Rogers, Darren Shaw, Mark Sneyd, Gray Viane, Niall Evalds, George Griffin, Jordan Turner and Gareth O’Brien.

A MATCH TO REMEMBER –Sunday 5th September 2004.

Castleford 22 Salford 24.

A crucial match for both sides. Salford had been promoted at the end of the 2003 season and were desperate to survive making really strong progress under the leadership of coach Karl Harrison.

Having already won at Wheldon Road earlier in the season victory here would have a big say in the race for survival. A real thrilling contest saw Castleford winger Paul Mellor grab a hat trick of tries. Andy Coley, Malcolm Alker and a brace from Karl Fitzpatrick along with four goals from the ever reliable Chris Charles were just enough as Salford edged to victory 22-24. There were terrific scenes of celebration on the terraces at the final hooter from the travelling Salford supporters.

Despite a nail biting 6-7 victory at fellow strugglers Widnes a week later Castleford lost there final match to Wakefield and were relegated on 12 points.

Salford had done enough finishing the season on 16 points in 9th place.

The teams that day:

Castleford, Gibson, Pryce, Rogers, Saxton, Mellor, Davis, Maloney, Greenhill, Godwin, Lynch, Crouch, Harland, Hudson.

Subs, Hepworth, Jackson, Tookey, Sykes.

Salford, Fitzpatrick, Caine, Littler, Beverley, Stewart, McGuinness, Clinch, Baynes, Alker, Highton, Coley, Rutgerson, Charles.

Subs, Johnson, Shipway, Baldwin, Haggerty.

Attendance, 5,809.

Referee, Steve Ganson.

Friday’s match.

Despite Castleford’s poor start to the season I am expecting a very tough contest on Friday night. When the two sides met just over a month ago Salford won by four points but the Tigers were definitely in the match all the way.

Craig Lingard’s side have struggled to post points and it’s that cutting edge on attack that needs to improve if they are to pull away from the foot of the table.

It’s a tight, short pitch at Wheldon Road but this could work in Salford’s favour. Marc Sneyd spent a season with Castleford a decade ago and played in their 2014 Challenge Cup final defeat to Leeds. Sneyd has the ability to get the Red Devils on the front foot with his astute kicking game and tactical knowledge.

The Tigers have plenty of experience in their 2024 squad. Paul McShane, Liam Watts and Joe Westerman have been around along time. These three have the ability to get there side moving. Danny Richardson and Jacob Miller are a good half back pairing. Young Jack Broadbent is a rising star who can play a number of positions in the backs but is making the fullback spot his own.

Salford will be missing Brad Singleton for the next six to eight weeks which is a big blow to the pack. Hopefully Gil Dudson will return this week after missing last Saturday’s win over Leigh. David Nofoaluma has featured just once since his arrival, he played against Wigan but hasn’t been in the team for the last two games. Once again Paul Rowley’s squad selection on Wednesday will be very interesting.

The bookies have Salford as favourites, Castleford have an eight point start on this weeks betting coupon.

The action gets under way at 8pm.

Safe travels and enjoy the match.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos and the Salford match day programme.