To compete with a side like Wigan you need to keep errors to a minimum and complete your sets as well as taking your chances. Salford didn’t really have any chances in the first half but gifted Wigan possession on numerous occasions. The Warriors were handed the initiative on a plate by a very sloppy first half display from the Red Devils.

Salford coach Paul Rowley brought Joe Shorrocks in at hooker with both Cade Cust and Amir Bourouh missing. Shane Wright and Joe Mellor both returned to the seventeen and young Matty Foster made the bench.

Wigan were far from their marauding best but they were methodological in everything they did in the early stages taking advantage of Salford’s mistakes and inability to hold possession. Adam Keighran opened the scoring backing up Abass Miski to touchdown. He also added the conversion, 0-6.

The Warriors size in the pack was beginning to overpower Salford and when Junior Nsemba shrugged off Marc Snyed he was left with a free run to the try line to double the visitor’s lead. Snyed picked up a heavy knock trying to stop Nsemba and did well to stay on the pitch as he seemed to struggle for the rest of the half.

It took Salford over half an hour to get anywhere near the Wigan try line. Panic offloads and errors hampered any sort of pressure the Red Devils looked to apply.

Brad O’Neill pinched a try from close range and Keighran’s third successful conversion gave the visitors a very comfortable 0-18 halftime lead.

Wigan continued to dominate in defence, they prevented Salford from getting any sort of momentum particularly from the play the ball as it was slowed down as long as the referee would allow.

Oliver Partington crashed over from close range off a lovely flat pass to get Salford on the scoreboard.

Matty Foster came off the bench and put himself about with a superb defensive display. The youngster was very impressive and I think we will see a lot more of him in the coming weeks.

Salford needed the next score to have any chance of a comeback as they worked the way through a much improved second half. A dubious penalty dashed the home sides fading hope and Keighran booted the two points to make the game safe for Wigan, 6-20.

Bevan French glided through a tired Salford defence in the closing stages to cap off a very professional performance from his side. Keighran made it five from five with the conversions, 6-26.

Salford have seven days to prepare for their next fixture when they are at home to London Broncos.

Salford 6 Wigan 26.

Paul Whiteside.