Sidlow score lifts Reds

Sidlow: match-winning try

Adam Sidlow scored a dramatic late try to claim victory for Salford over Crusaders at Wrexham.

The home side led 18-16 going into the final two minutes when Sidlow's score and Daniel Holdsworth's conversion secured the points for the visitors.

The Welshmen, looking for their third win this season over the Reds, got off to the best possible start.

Stand-off Tony Martin went over for a try in just the third minute when he saw a gap from 30 yards out and dashed though it at pace, giving Michael Witt a simple conversion.

Salford recovered from their sucker-punch and put pressure in the home half before their persistence was rewarded.

It was as much a piece of opportunism for the Reds as Martin's effort. Salford got within five yards of the Crusaders line and were awarded yet another penalty.

From there, hooker Wayne Godwin saw the chance to dive low and touch down over the line for Holdsworth to goal.

But the Crusaders regained the lead soon after when an assault into the Salford danger area saw Witt cross-kick to the corner, the ball was knocked down by a combination of hands and replacement forward Ben Flower grabbed it to score.

However, Salford battled back and, when they attacked down the right, Holdsworth was on hand to feed second-rower Luke Adamson for a try in the corner.

Fumbled

Salford made the better start to the second period and took the lead for the first time when a high ball was fumbled by the home defence for centre Stefan Ratchford to hack on for 15 yards before grounding, with Holdsworth adding the extras.

The Reds tried to keep the Crusaders pegged in their own half, but the match opened up when, on one of the hosts' first attacks of the half, Jordan James went over and, with Witt converting, the Welshmen were back in the lead.

In the frantic latter stages both teams had chances to wrap up the win, but Sidlow's last-gasp effort sealed it for the Reds, as they avenged their two losses by the Crusaders earlier this season.