After a bruising contest against London last weekend, Salford coach Dave Hewitt’s squad was stretched to the limit. Shaun Costello misses out with a shoulder injury and Owain Abel was out with an ankle problem. It wasn’t the ideal time to be facing a strong and well drilled Widnes side.

It was a fine summer’s evening in Merseyside and the large contingent of Salford supporters were in good voice as the players warmed up prior to kick off. 

Charlie Glover started at loose forward in the absence of Costello and Callum Green switched from wing to the halves to partner Toby Hughes with Abel missing. Fin Yates, Cole Appleby and Damola Lola made the bench.

After a prolonged period of pressure in the early stages former Salford forward Dan Murray showed some neat footwork to power over for the games first try. Salford were immediately on the back foot and conceded penalties at a very alarming rate. Glover left the field with a head injury which was another huge blow.

Brad Dwyer came close to scoring but was held up. On the next play though Toby Hughes’s perfect created a superb try for second rower Cole Oakley. Kieran Dixon missed what looked a regulation conversion for a kicker of his calibre, 6-4.

Winger Mike Butt increased the Vikings advantage with a try that will no doubt frustrate Salford. The defensive line was breached after a couple of players flew out looking for the big tackle. This left gaps a plenty and Butt took full advantage. 

Oakley’s desire to chase a kick gave the visitors a huge boost. The pack grafter forced a drop out and Salford moved the ball superbly to create a huge overlap on the right edge. This provided a try on a plate for Jack Holmes. Dixon dragged his conversion just wide but Salford were well in this contest after twenty five minutes, 12-8.

Frank Sergent brushed off some questionable defence to extend the Vikings advantage to an eight point cushion before Cole Appleby came off the bench to make an immediate impact just before the break. Despite his heavily strapped leg Appleby came up with some fantastic carries that earned his side a penalty and a six again. Salford had the option of kicking a penalty goal just before the hooter but opted to run the ball. The Vikings held out to lead 16-8 at halftime. 

Individual errors have cost Salford dearly in recent weeks and when they knocked on from the kickoff at the start of the second half the initiative was handed right back to Widnes. Luckily on that occasion the hosts made an error of their own that let Salford off the hook but once again more errors and penalties just sucked the life out of the visitors. Four minutes into the second half substitute Fozard went over to give Widnes another cushion.

Salford’s inability to keep hold of possession is becoming a real achilles heel. You could see the frustration on the pitch and in the stand. Three tries in a crushing ten minute spell from the Vikings really asserted their dominance and put the game to bed. 

As the match entered the closing stages former Salford youngster Nathan Connell raced away to score the try of the match. He turned the defence inside out on a thrilling break. Centre Jack Owens completed the scoring with just five minutes remaining going over for the home sides ninth try of the evening.

It’s been a very tough few months for Hewitt’s Salford side who’ve played some of the best sides in the division. This has certainly taken its toll on what is quite an inexperienced team at this level. Once again the effort was there for all to see but errors cost Salford a lot of points against a Widnes side that is looking for a big finish to the season.

Salford now have a fortnight before their next match against Swinton and this break could not of come at a better time. Rest and recovery will be vital over the next week or so with a fascinating derby encounter to look forward to on the 8th August.

Widnes 52 Salford 8.

Paul Whiteside.

Big thanks to Steve McCormick and Adam Hanglin for the photos.