Ian Watson taking the positives from Catalans defeat

James Messenger 08 Mar 2020 12:48 PM

Salford boss Ian Watson insists his side must focus on the positives, despite suffering a fifth defeat of the season away at Catalans.

Despite going into the break comfortable ahead, the Dragons let their opponents back into the contest with three tries in a short space of time.

Ken Sio’s brace and a further Niall Evalds score reduced the deficit to just one score, before wingers Fouad Yaha and Lewis Tierney crossed to seal the win for Steve McNamara’s side.

The result means that Salford remain second-bottom in the league with two points, their only victory coming against basement side Toronto in round two.

Nevertheless, Watson says the Red Devils can be proud of their defence, having been forced to withstand significant pressure in the first 40 minutes.

“We didn’t build enough pressure in the first half and we didn’t complete our sets or turn over on our terms,” he said.

“But I thought we defended really well for large chunks of that first half.

“I know what our team is capable of and that was a big step forward tonight especially in terms of effort and attitude from the week before.”

Watson also insists the injuries and suspensions that have plagued his side in the early weeks of the season.

Dan Sarginson was absent after picking up an injury midweek, allowing former London star Elliot Kear to make his first appearance of the season for the Red Devils.

“What we’re trying to do is structure a new group here and it’s been pretty difficult because one player comes in then one drops out,” Watson admitted.

“But the boys are getting it, they are understanding what we’re about now and with Kev (Brown) back now I thought he gave us a bit more organisation and control but we need the right field position for him to be effective.

“We lost Sarge (Dan Sarginson) in training but I was really confident that Elliot Kear wouldn’t let us down, he always gives 110 per cent.”