After another Friday night of surprise score lines the race for the top six got that little bit tighter. Leigh thumped St.Helens with Warrington hammering Wigan in two super performances from the Leopards and Wolves respectively. Salford sat in sixth position prior to kick off but now only two points ahead of Leeds who they play next Saturday.

After two successive defeats and two disappointing performances Salford needed to respond against an ever improving Castleford side that had won three on the spin.

Salford coach Paul Rowley had named new signing Jayden Nikorima in his twenty one man squad so all eyes were on the team sheet and he was named at stand off. Sam Stone returned along with Tim Lafai and Loghan Lewis made the bench.

The Tigers had Tex Hoy at fullback, Rowan Milnes and Jacob Miller were the halves with former Salford forward George Griffin a starting prop.

After a grey start to the day weather wise it was fine and dry for kick off and the match started at a very high temp. Salford had all the early possession and territory with the Tigers soaking it up well with their organised and disciplined defence. A real sucker punch try caught the home side cold, Deon Cross was caught out of position from a low trajectory kick and Jason Qareqare touched down.

Castleford looked very ambitious when in possession of the ball and Joe Westerman lead front the front in the pack. Salford’s pressure eventually got the better of the visitors when Nene McDonald powered over from close range. Marc Sneyd levelled the score at 6-6.

McDonald looked certain to score again after nice work from Nikorima but the Tigers excellent goal line defence held firm. McDonald was then denied by the video referee after leaping up to attack a Sneyd kick. It seemed a harsh decision to add to the disallowed try from earlier on when Cross was denied for a forward pass.

Oliver Partington worked overtime in attack and defence. He was caught high by Liam Horne which required a head bandage to protect his injury. Horne was sin binned and Partington went off for a head assessment. The Salford loose forward wasn’t happy with the challenge and made his feelings known to the Tigers bench as he left the field.

Just before the break the Red Devils made the extra man count from a set scrum. A lovely ball move saw Ryan Brierley ghost through the visitors defence to give Salford a half-time lead, 12-6.

During the half-time break former Salford players from yesteryear paraded round the pitch which really got the supporters excited. The match was definitely in the balance and too close to call.

Salford started the second half in the same fashion as the first, on the front foot piling on the pressure. Sneyd forced two drop outs but once again the Tigers defence stood firm. On the back of a penalty and some sloppy play Qareqare grabbed his second try and Milnes converted off the touch line to level the match at 12-12. On the back of more Salford indiscipline Castleford struck again. This time a break down the right edge saw Elle El Zakhem go in for a try and the lead changed hands again.

Just after the hour mark saw a huge turning point in the match. The Tigers were on the attack looking to extend their four point lead before Ethan Ryan swooped to take an interception and he raced away evading Hoy’s desperate tackle attempt. Sneyd converted to edge Salford back in front, 18-16.

A huge collision between Brad Singleton the ball carrier and Griffin the defender saw the tigers prop come off the worst and he left the field and didn’t return. Singleton copped some very physical challenges as a result of that incident but the raw boned Cumbrian kept ploughing forward to help the Salford cause.

Sylvester Namo was sin binned for a high tackle and moments later Partington went in for a much deserved try in what was a bruising encounter for both sides. The Salford loose forward had a stand out game once again with an unbelievable work rate and desire. Sneyd made it four from four with the boot to give the Red Devils an eight point cushion. It was back to back tries on the very next set as Salford made the man advantage count. A thrilling break from Brierley was finished off by substitute Chris Hankinsin who’d only been on the field a matter of minutes.

The Tigers never gave in and made it a nervous finale with a try from Luis Johnson.

Salford just about did enough to get the result and at this stage of the season it’s a huge two points. Now in fifth place four points ahead of Leeds who we meet next Saturday in what looks a fascinating clash. It’s going to be a thrilling ride to the end of the season but Paul Rowley’s side are in a good position at this moment in time!

Salford 30 Castleford 22.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick for the photos.