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Devil In The Detail SRD · Winners are grinners as we get ready to tame the Tigers   After last weeks victory over Leigh, Salford were back in action at the AJ Bell Stadium against Castleford. It was a breezy evening and it certainly didn’t feel like the month of May was around the corner. The pitch as usual looked in immaculate condition prior to kick off. Salford coach Richard Marshall once again made changes. Krisnan Inu missed out with Harvey Livett slotting in at centre. Danny Addy returned from injury to start at loose forward and Kallum Watkins replaced the injured Matty Costello. It was certainly strange to see Niall Evalds warming up in Castleford colours before the match. The Tigers also had Derrell Olpherts in their starting lineup on the wing.  Castleford had won their first three matches of the Super League season and were beaten in a close match last week at Wigan. With both sides meeting again next weekend in the Challenge Cup Quarter finals you sensed tonight would be

Devil In The Detail SRD · Winners are grinners as we get ready to tame the Tigers With the announcement being made early this season that Castleford coach Daryl Powell will be moving on to Warrington some people expected a slump in the Tigers performances. This has not been the case at all with the Yorkshire side registering three straight league wins and last weeks defeat at Wigan was a real close one. Castleford also progressed to the last eight of the Challenge cup with a golden point extra time win at Hull Kingston Rovers.  The 2021 Tigers squad contains a whole host of ex Salford players. Derrell Olpherts and a George Griffin are in their second seasons respectively at Wheldon Road. Gareth O’Brien and Niall Evalds are also key members of the Castleford squad. Jordan Turner joined from Huddersfield in the close season, Turner was at Salford as a young player between 2007 and 2009. Under coach Powell the club has made tremendous progress winning the League Leaders shield as well as

Devil In The Detail SRD · Sportszone 6th April Salford City Radio  Salford City Fc continued their late charge for a playoff place with 2 big victories. The new manager Gary Bowyer will be impressed with his squad who had been written off by many. With a 2-0 win away at Walsall and a home win against Mansfield on Saturday a late charge towards the playoffs is in their grasp. This has been helped by the form of Ian Henderson, The veteran striker has found some form and has scored 16 goals so far this season to keep the Ammies in contention. Bradford City and Colchester United are the next opponents for Salford, both are below Salford in the league so the Ammies go into the contest as favourites. They must continue to keep winning to keep the pressure on teams around them in the playoffs. Salford Red Devil’s recorded their 1st Super League win of 2021 with a hard fought win against Leigh Centurions at the AJ Bell stadium. The game itself wasn't a free flowing game as both sides wer

Devil In The Detail SRD · Sacre bleu in France for Marshalls men now seek redemption opportunity   After a nice warm day in Salford the sun was still shining as the two sides walked out for kick off. Both teams were without a win and perhaps a little low on confidence. Richard Marshall had to make a few alterations to his starting line up due to injuries and the suspension of hooker Andy Ackers.  Elliot Kear came in to replace Morgan Escare at fullback, Krisnan Inu returned at centre to replace the injured Kallum Watkins. James Greenwood was back on the bench along with Greg Burke.  Leigh handed a debut to new signing Anthony Gelling and former Salford favourite Tyrone McCarthy started at prop for the Centurions.  Salford made a nervous start to the game with Leigh forcing an early drop out. On the back of Dec Patton kicking out on the full the Centurions took advantage. A slick move down the left edge saw some crisp passing before Matty Russell strolled in for the games first try.  L

Devil In The Detail SRD · Sacre bleu in France for Marshalls men now seek redemption opportunity It’s been a tough start for both clubs on the pitch in 2021. After three League matches Salford and Leigh are both seeking their first victory. Over the years Salford have definitely had the upper hand in this fixture. The last time Leigh won at Salford in a League match UB40 were top of the Singles chart with Red Red wine. Leigh’s victory came in a Slalom Lager Championship match on the 7th September 1983, 6-38 at The Willows. Salford’s record at Hilton Park wasn’t quite as fruitless, however since Leigh’s move to their new stadium Salford have lost all their visits in competitive competitions.  Despite the long history the two clubs share in the sport top flight success has been fairly limited over the past few decades. Leigh were Challenge Cup winners in 1971 and last won the League Championship in 1982. Salford have waited slightly longer with their last major trophy coming in 1976.  O

Devil In The Detail SRD · Sportszone 23/03/2021 Salford City Radio   Salford Red Devil’s suffered heavy defeat in the South of France as Coach Richard Marshall is left searching for his 1st Super League win as Head Coach. Salford were 2nd best in every department against the Dragons of Catalan and it will be a concern to fans that the fight usually put up in the arm wrestle in matches has been replaced by errors, mistakes and I’ll disapline. Leigh Centurions are Salfords next opponents. Fans, coaching staff and players will be hoping a win in the local derby will boost confidence going forward. It will be a fascinating encounter.  the Salford squad is full of quality  and are in need of a morale boosting win to kick start their Super League season. Off the field rumours and still circulating about Salfords future at the AJ bell stadium, the Supporters Trust have written a open letter and created a pertition to try and keep Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium. Everything in modern sport com

Devil In The Detail SRD · Progression with Cup win now off to France  Salford suffered heavy defeat in France as the Catalan Dragons put pressure on the Salford Red Devil’s. The 1st team in Super League to travel to France this season Salford were 2nd best in every department. Salfords early pressure came after a ball steal from Harvey Livett but after the chance came and went Catalan opened the scoring, Ben Garcia forced his way between the posts in the 12th minute, Samisoni Langi doubled the Dragons lead scoring in the left corner. a penalty after 27 minutes added salt into Salfords gaping wound as the Catalan Dragons were in total control at 14-0. A Mike McMeeken break through Salfords defence was finished by Josh Drinkwater and with the conversion good it was 20-0 Dragons. Salford were unable to build pressure as errors, penalties and mistakes stopped any momentum for Richard Marshalls men. The second half was more of the same for Catalans two penalties put pressure on the Salford

Devil In The Detail SRD · Progression with Cup win now off to France   In a funny sort of way Catalans have been a real enigma with their Super League form over the last few years. A glorious Challenge Cup run of 2018 saw the Dragons lift the famous old trophy at Wembley but success in the League has been disappointing. Coach Steve McNamara has got plenty of quality in his squad and has had for a number of years. What could make 2021 that bit different is the Dragons finally seem to have found that balance. They have a settled half back partnership in Josh Drinkwater and James Maloney with the pack looking as ferocious as ever. What’s impressed me so far in the early stages of the season with Catalans is the smartness they have adopted in their play. In years gone by they’ve seem to be a little complacent in defence. So far this year they seem tighter and more organised giving very little away. With Sam Tomkins in terrific form the Dragons could be a real threat this season.  A visit

Devil In The Detail SRD · Sportszone 23/03/2021 Salford City Radio  Manchester Storm were victorious in a extra time win   against Coventry Blaze, Scott Simmons was the hero with the golden goal for the Storm. Craig Peacock was busy as Storm opened the scoring a deflected cross found its way in, Storms Ciaron Long showed why he is regarded as a top class finisher scored. Joseph Hazeldine showed the skills which gave Storm the confidence to sign him on a multi year deal and a goal on his debut for Jacob Noer put smiles on Storm fans faces at home. Coventry kept fighting a leveled the scores but that  extra time goal by Simmonds put Storm 2 points clear at at the top of the table. Sheffield Steelers games are always tasty, derby games are always blood and thunder affairs and this game was another. Scott Simmonds and Jacob Noer were on target again for the Storm, both are fast becoming Storm favourites for their efforts on the ice. Captain Fantastic Dallas Ehrhardt and Ben Lake leveled

Devil In The Detail SRD · Sportszone 23/03/2021 Salford City Radio Salford Red Devil’s started their Challenge Cup campaign with a convincing win against Widnes at the AJ Bell stadium. The Red Devil’s were to big and strong for their opponents throughout and showed good game management and intensity to keep the score board ticking over in the 2nd half. Castleford Tigers are Salford's next opponents in the Challenge Cup, with the experience of last years heroics fresh in the minds of the players don’t bet against a return trip to Wembley in 2021. Full back Morgan Escare and Matty Costello took their opportunities for game time with two tries each, this will impress Head Coach Richard Marshall as he hopes to continue this winning formula into the Super League next week. Salford travel to the south of France to face Super League side Catalan Dragons on Saturday. With the souring rates of Corona in France stopping fans attending, the Dragons back divisions Gallic flair and the big Ca

Devil In The Detail SRD · Looking to bounce back challenge cup style One of the most prestigious trophies in British Sport the Rugby League Challenge cup, a prize that Salford got so close to in 2020. This years campaign started with a home tie against cup kings of yesteryear Widnes Vikings. Widnes were regular visitors to Wembley Stadium during the 70s and 80s. The clubs last cup final was back in 1993 when they were beaten against Wigan in a very close contest 20-14. Over recent seasons Widnes have hit some hard times but have worked through them well to start re building. Like Salford they are a proud club with a very famous history. Once again the AJ Bell Stadium pitch was in supreme condition looking like a well laid carpet as the two sides marched out for kick off. Salford coach Richard Marshall made some significant changes. Morgan Escare came in at fullback to replace the injured Dan Sarginson. Matty Costello made his debut at centre with Darcy Lussick on the bench. Dec Patto

Devil In The Detail SRD · Looking to bounce back challenge cup style   Last seasons cup run to Wembley provided us with two frantic encounters full of excitement. The extra time victory over Catalans was followed by a breath taking finish against Warrington in the semi final. Salford over came the odds in both matches with a never say die attitude. The final at Wembley was just as thrilling. Old enemy Leeds were the opposition in a match that hung in the balance to the very last second. Perhaps last season wasn’t meant to be. After a 51 year wait supporters were cruelly denied the chance of a life time.  2020 was a strange season and I suppose the crumb of comfort you can take from losing that final is that the search for the holy grail goes on. How agonising would it of been if Salford had of won the cup with no one there to celebrate and share it.  Our 2021 campaign is a home tie with Championship side Widnes. This round of fixtures has thrown up some really intriguing matches. York