Huddersfield end losing streak against Salford

Betfred Super League

Huddersfield (2) 16

Tries: Halsall, Milner Goals: Connor (4)

Salford (6) 8

Tries: Mellor Goals: Sneyd (2)

Huddersfield ended their four-match losing streak as Jake Connor’s late penalty saw them beat play-off chasers Salford in a tight contest

The Giants have had a traumatic few weeks which have seen head coach Ian Watson lose his job because of their poor form, Luke Yates leave to join Warrington and a series of injuries which have depleted their pack.

They responded brilliantly for interim coach Luke Robinson, with a resilient performance after Joe Mellor’s try had given the visitors a 6-2 lead at half-time.

Sam Halsall scored a 90-metre breakaway try as Salford inexplicably ran a penalty in front of their posts, and more indiscipline saw them suffer a second successive defeat as Connor’s two penalties edged Giants ahead and Adam Milner sealed it with a late try.

Salford had already won one close contest at the John Smith’s Stadium, taking an 18-16 victory in May, and they were favourites to bounce back from their poor performance at Catalans last week and reinforce their hunt for a top-six place.

Giants were dominant from the off and pegged the Red Devils back for long spells in the first half, with Connor’s kicking game piling pressure on Salford full-back Ryan Brierley.

Ill discipline

Earlier, the home side only had a Connor penalty to show for their performance, as Halsall touched down a loose ball only for the video referee to back the referee’s call that Tui Lolohea had knocked it on.

Giants paid the price as Mellor scored a typical opportunistic try from dummy half, surging over in front of the posts for his 100th career try to give Salford the half-time lead.

Salford pressed hard for another score but when they decided to run a penalty in front of the posts, Marc Sneyd’s pass was intercepted and Halsall was too quick for the recovering Salford defenders, racing almost the length of the field to level.

Connor’s conversion attempt struck the post and when the experienced Leroy Cudjoe twice lifted a leg too high in consecutive tackles to concede penalties, Snyd grabbed the ball and nailed the two points to edge Salford back in front.

This time it was the visitors who suffered from ill discipline and Brad Singleton’s high tackle resulted in a penalty, which Connor kicked, and the final 10 minutes in the bin for the Red Devils prop.

That swung the game in Giants’ favour and after Connor had put them ahead with another two-pointer, Milner had the home fans roaring with a final flourish.

Post-match reaction

Huddersfield interim coach Luke Robinson:

“They should be proud of themselves.

“We took steps last week (during the defeat to Leigh) in the right direction – their effort and desire and willingness to play for each other, for the badge, for the fans was immense. The trouble is we ran out of subs.

“They were brilliant from minute one (tonight) and their effort and desire was amazing, and we managed to keep a few more bodies on the pitch this week.

“The buzz word this week has been opportunity – a door shuts for one person and it opens for somebody else.”

Salford coach Paul Rowley:

“Certainly we lacked some punch and we sat on our heels a lot defensively. We certainly weren’t great today.

“We’re a little bit busted at the minute physically – we’re just not as energetic and enthusiastic as we need to be.

“Huddersfield in contrast had a lot of enthusiasm and deserved the win.”

Huddersfield: Connor, McGowan, Naiqama, Halsall, Wallis, Lolohea, Clune, Hill, Milner, English, Bibby, Cudjoe, Rushton

Interchanges: Golding, Russell, Rogers, Salabio

Salford: Brierley, Ryan, Macdonald, Hankinson, Cross, Cust, Sneyd, Singleton, Mellor, Partington, Wright, Watkins, Shorrocks

Interchanges: Atkin, Dudson, Wilson, Bullock

Referee: Jack Smith.