Report by Frank Grundy

A much changed Reds side struggled throughout to complete their sets and spent long stretches having to defend. Conditions were very wet making handling difficult and the Reds struggled to put any decent attacking moves together. The first score came after 17 minutes when Widnes kicked a penalty to go 0-2 up.

Widnes continued to adapt to the conditions better than Salford and it took an excellent catch from Reds winger Darren Fletcher to prevent Widnes going over. The Reds continued to be their own worst enemy, constantly coughing up possession and putting themselves under pressure. Fullback Jonny Youds mounted his own version of Custer’s Last Stand on the try line, but eventually the dam was breached on 25 minutes by the Widnes winger for a converted try. No further points were scored in a dreadful half from both sides that ended 0-8.

8 minutes into the second half Widnes increased their lead through a try by their prop forward which was converted to make the score 0-14. Still the Reds were failing to complete their sets and just could not get good field position as a result of their own errors and were without doubt their own worst enemy throughout. A superb run by Reds prop Andy Waring gave them hope, but again they squandered position when within 10 metres of the Widnes line. This passage of play was the one bright spot in a terrible game, with the Reds having shown a glimpse of what they are capable of followed by Widnes’ best move of the game, sweeping down the field with some excellent passing to score the final points of the game with an unconverted try.

The Reds simply never came to terms with a greasy ball and blustery wind, so never managed to mount any serious pressure on Widnes. A very disappointing display all round.

As of 2pm today there were only just over 50 seats left on the train to Blackpool - we expect they will be filled by tomorrow morning at the latest, so if you want to go, book now!

Not in the office today so can’t give an update on ticket sales, but will let you know remaining availability tomorrow.

Thanks.

Tickets for the Salford City Reds Express train to Blackpool are now on sale at the Club Shop, priced just £5 return! Please note, you will need to buy a ticket in advance from us as there will be no way to buy a ticket at the station on the day for this train.

Also, the train will be stewarded by the club, and anyone trying to jib on and therefore rip off the club will not be popular - this is a special train paid for entirely by Salford City Reds, so you will not be trying to get one over on some faceless corporation, but the club you love.

Tickets will be checked by the stewards before boarding and again on the train.

There are 400 places available on a strictly first come, first served basis.

The train leaves Eccles station at 9.37am

Arrives at Blackpool North at 10.40am

Departs Blackpool North at 18.43pm

Arrives Eccles station at 19.50pm

We currently have less than 20 of the best available seats remaining (Block L) so if you were intending to buy in that section then please do so quickly!

Also, remember that the singing section has now completely sold out.

Thanks.

We are delighted to be able to confirm that the Salford City Reds Express train to Blackpool will be leaving the platform at Eccles Station on Sunday 6th July! (exact time to be confirmed tomorrow, but we believe it is going to leave at 9.30am and return at 6.30pm)

There are 400 places and the cost is a ridiculously low £5 return! Tickets will be on sale at the Club Shop on Saturday and will be sold on a strictly first come, first served basis.

All aboard, mind the doors please and all that…

Apologies for the delay in updating, been a bit busy

The singing section (blocks F, G & H) are now completely sold out, both at the club and with the RFL ticket office. We are now advising those wishing to be close to this section to request a seat in block J.

Tickets are still selling very fast, and it’s great to see so many new faces coming down to buy tickets. Keep up the good work spreading the word, and let’s take over Blackpool for the day!

Joining myself and Paul parkin on Salford City Radio Rugby Roundup this evening will be Steve from the club to talk about life in general as welll as the mad rush there has been on tickets for the Northern Rail Cup Final.

Email any questions into us at studio@salfordcityradio.org

6-7pm 94.4FM or listen online at www.salfordcityradio.org

Also previewing tomorrow night’s action at Widnes.