Salford Red Devils secure third Super League win of the season, overcoming a nervous encounter with bottom of the table Wakefield Trinity 14-13; Marc Sneyd kicks the final drop-goal in the fourth minute of extra time for the golden point
Marc Sneyd kicked a drop-goal in the fourth minute of golden point extra time as Salford sentenced Wakefield to a fifth Super League defeat of the season.
The Red Devils running back kept his cool after a hectic finish at AJ Bell Stadium, where drop-goals from Sneyd and Wakefield Mason Lino had sent the game into extra time.
But it was Paul Rowley’s men who ultimately prevailed 14-13, leaving Wakefield still entrenched at the bottom of the Super League table as the only team to go without a win after five rounds.
Salford came into the game full of confidence following a 60-14 thrashing of Hull FC last weekend, while Wakefield had failed to register a point in each of their last three games.
Danny Addy was named on the bench for his first appearance in eight months for the hosts after being sidelined with an Achilles tendon injury, but Tim Lafai was absent after failing a late fitness test, which meant an unusual start for Matty Costello.
Wakefield welcomed Harry Bowes back to his 17th and Sam Hewitt, a recent loan from Huddersfield, was appointed to the bench.
Marc Sneyd is harassed by his Salford Red Devils teammates after kicking the winning drop-goal against Wakefield Trinity
Despite Trinity’s winless start to the season, they led for much of the first half, despite Salford enjoying most of the possession.
Salford had taken the lead in the fourth minute when Brodie Croft and Ryan Brierley combined on the left edge to send Costello running for a try which was converted by Sneyd. But the scores were level on 12 minutes when Wakefield finally ended their long wait for a try.
The home side had conceded a abandon following a risky pass from Rhys Williams on their own try line and the visitors attacked the left edge with Lino and Liam Kay connecting long before Jorge Taufua’s pass sent Corey Hall up for a try. that turned Lino.
Wakefield then took the lead in the 24th minute when Williams spilled a Lino corner and Reece Lyne was able to collect the ball and score. Lino missed the conversion but Wakefield led 10-6.
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Salford had more play as half time approached and, three minutes before half-time, Sneyd decided not to take the relatively simple shot on goal and moments later vindicated himself when Chris Atkin spied a gap from the dummy half and fired from five. meters to mark. Sneyd converted to give Salford a 12-10 lead just before half time.
It was a difficult start to the second half with both sides struggling to create a clear scoring chance through unforced errors.
The hosts had a great opportunity on the hour mark when a move from the scrum nearly ended with Williams scoring in the corner, but he was unable to connect the ball under pressure from desperate defence.
The first points of the second half came with 11 minutes remaining on a late Shane Wright shot on Lino after a high shot was penalized and Lino kicked goal to make it 12-12.
With five minutes remaining, Salford were back in front when Sneyd sent in a drop-goal only for Lino to reply from the restart with one of his own to make it 13-13.
Lino sent another deflected drop-goal from distance with three minutes remaining and Sneyd did the same in the next set as a second half that had stuttered suddenly came to life.
Another Lino attempt at a point faded with a minute remaining and Sneyd was denied another attempt after the referee whistled for bunt, sending the game into golden point overtime.
It was Salford who risked their arm first, with Sneyd’s long-range try sailing in to give his side a third win of the season.
Whats Next?
The next live action of the Super League on Sky Sports sees Huddersfield Giants host Saint Helena Thursday night; coverage starts at 7:30pm on Sky Sports Arena and kicks off at 8pm
Trinity Wakefield are next in action on Friday, hosting Hull KR from 8pm as they look to secure their first win of the season, while Salford Red Devils head to Wigan Warriors at the same time on Friday night.
