Salford RLFC were beaten 32-6 at home by high-flying Widnes Vikings.
Dave Hewitt’s team struggled against a strong Widnes side, who scored seven tries through Michael Butt and Joe Edge, while Ryan Brown and Danny Langtree.
Salford did manage a consolation score, though, as Joe Baldwin scored eight minutes from time to ensure home supporters had something to celebrate on an otherwise tough afternoon.
Widnes started the stronger of the two teams and enjoyed most of the early possession, but Salford’s defence initially stood firm. Salford then went up the other end but were stopped just short of the try line by the Widnes defence.
Salford thought they had created an opportunity after intercepting the ball, but the move came to nothing after a knock-on.
Widnes eventually made their pressure count in the eighth minute with some neat build-up play.
The ball found its way to Michael Butt, who powered over for the opening try of the game. Leon Hayes missed the conversion, leaving the score at 4-0 to the visitors.
It was a nervy start from the home side and not the opening Dave Hewitt would have wanted as his team fell behind early on.
Widnes almost added a second try shortly afterwards with a break down the left, but the final pass went forward. The visitors continued to threaten and came close again, only to knock the ball on and hand possession back to Salford.
The Vikings extended their lead after 26 minutes through a fast-paced breakaway. Michael Butt crossed for his second try of the game to make it 8-0. Leon Hayes again missed his conversion attempt, keeping the score unchanged.
Widnes grabbed a third try six minutes later following another well-worked move down the right. Danny Langtree found space in the middle of the Salford defence and darted over to put the visitors 12-0 ahead. Hayes added the conversion to make it 14-0 as half-time approached.
Jenson Windley was forced off with a concussion and replaced by Owen Haldenby.
Salford threatened just before the break, with Keane Gilford causing problems for the Widnes defence, but the hosts were unable to capitalise and went into half-time trailing 14-0.
The Vikings began the second half with an early knock-on, gifting possession back to Salford. The home side started the half brightly and nearly got themselves on the scoresheet after another Widnes error, but Joe Baldwin was held up over the line.
It was the kind of response Dave Hewitt would have wanted after a difficult first half.
Widnes soon regained momentum with some quick attacking play, although the Salford defence stood strong, with Jack Hartley forcing Jack Owens into touch.
The visitors thought they had scored their fourth try when players began celebrating, but the referee ruled out the effort for a forward pass, keeping the score at 14-0.
However, after 55 minutes, Widnes did get their fourth try as Joe Edge raced clear to score. Hayes converted to stretch the lead to 20-0.
Salford had started the second half well, but that try ended any faint hopes of a comeback.
Widnes added a fifth midway through the half when a kick from Thomas Gilmore eventually fell kindly for Ryan Brown, who scrambled over the line. Hayes converted once again to make it 26-0 and effectively put the game beyond doubt.
Salford almost conceded again when James Duffy misjudged the flight of the ball, but Widnes eventually knocked on and handed possession back to the hosts.
Shortly afterwards, Widnes did get their sixth try 15 minutes from time with another impressive move down the left. Joe Edge crossed for his second of the game while Hayes converted to extend the lead to 32-0.
Salford finally got on the scoresheet after a strong breakaway move initiated by Daniel Sarbah. The ball reached Joe Baldwin, who finished from close range for the home side’s first try. Harry Smith added the conversion to make it 32-6 with eight minutes left before the hooter sounded.
The try made little difference to the result, but it at least gave the home supporters something to cheer about late on.
Salford almost added another score near the end after some promising attacking play, but they were unable to find Daniel Sarbah in space as the ball drifted into touch.
It was always going to be a difficult afternoon for Salford, but they can take encouragement from the chances they created and the problems they caused the Widnes defence at times. In the end, however, the away side proved too strong and secured a comfortable victory.
The defeat has left Salford RLFC in 16th place in the Championship, while Widnes climbed to fourth with victory.
