MATCH REPORT: Salford Red Devils slain by Huddersfield Giants

Salford Red Devils fell to a second half collapse as they lost 16-26 to Huddersfield Giants in the Super League.

In a double header at the AJ Bell Stadium, which also saw the women’s team play their final pre-season friendly against Leigh, the Reds fell behind early and couldn’t wrestle their way back into the game.

Salford pushed for an early lead, but it was a misplaced pass from Marc Sneyd in Salford territory that allowed Ashton Golding to open the scoring for the Giants.

The Red Devils were then penalised for offside following a Chris McQueen interception on a Brodie Croft pass.

The Yorkshire side opted for the two point kick, putting them 0-8 up.

Shane Wright got Salford on the board, pushing across the line on the right, leaving Marc Sneyd to convert and putting them back within two.

Huddersfield scored just three minutes before time, Owen Trout with the try and Oliver Russell scoring his third kick of the day to make it 6-14.

Further bad news for Salford came as winger Joe Burgess went off injured at the end of the first half, joining Tim Lafai and Amir Bourouh on the physio’s bench.

in the 48th minute, Matty Costello snuck in on the left past the Giants line and scored, putting the Reds back in with a shout.

Matty Costello hits back for @SalfordDevils 👏#SLSalHud pic.twitter.com/TtLUpLMhkT

— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 2, 2023

But Marc Sneyd’s kick cruelly struck the upright, giving the Giants a four-point cushion.

Salford conceded yet another penalty, with Russell extending the gap further.

The fatal blow came in the 65th minute, Trout being left unopposed to get his second try of the day.

Giants added to their lead in the 77th minute with McQueen getting in at the corner, putting Huddersfield up 10-26.

Captain Kallum Watkins grabbed a consolation try, with Sneyd getting the extra points.

The result means that Salford slump down to seventh in the table, leapfrogged by Giants and Hull KR following the weekend’s games.

They travel to local rivals Leigh this weekend, looking to make their way back into the play-off picture.