Salford 14-13 Wakefield: Marc Sneyd drop goal seals golden point win for Red Devils

Following a 14-13 win for Salford over Wakefield in golden point, here are our five takeaways from the AJ Bell Stadium.

Salford opened the scoring through Matty Costello before Wakefield levelled the score in the 10th minute thanks to a try from Corey Hall.

Reece Lyne then put Trinity in front but it was Salford who went into the half-time interval 12-10 ahead, with Chris Atkin scoring late in the first half.

It was a tight second half, with Mason Lino adding a penalty goal to tie the score once more.

It was a pulsating finish. Marc Sneyd kicked a drop goal to put his side in a 13-12 lead before Lino tied the scoring with just minutes of normal time remaining.

The game went in to golden point extra-time, with both sides attempting further drop goals. It was Sneyd who secured the win for his side with his second drop goal in the 85th minute. The Red Devils finished 14-13 winners on home soil.

Powerful Salford duo

It certainly wasn’t the best performance we’ll see from Paul Rowley’s side this season, but a couple of individuals had really good games.

The displays of Tyler Dupree and Adam Sidlow in the front-row were excellent.

The props really provided some power to Salford’s pack and seemed to gain good metres for their side every time they carried the ball. It was a strong showing from the pair.

Milestone man Croft

Reigning Man of Steel Brodie Croft made his 100th career appearance.

The Australian half-back has played 33 for Salford, helping the Red Devils reach the semi-finals of Super League last season. He made 66 appearances in the NRL for Brisbane Broncos and Melbourne Storm. He also represented the Combined Nations All Stars in 2022.

It’s always a pleasure to watch a player as good as Croft. A perfect half-back who gets fans off their seat every game.

Addy’s return

Salford welcomed back Danny Addy for the first time in nine months after recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture.

The Scotland international had to sit out a large part of last season and was forced to miss the World Cup.

It was great to see him back on the field doing what he loves. It has been a long time between drinks for him, but it was good to see him make his mark on his return.

Impressive Lino

The Trinity half-back was unlucky to be on the losing side because he put in a really strong showing.

Lino was at the heart of everything Mark Applegarth’s side did in attack and his kicking game put his side in good positions.

The Samoa international is a classy playmaker with a tremendous skillset. You feel Wakefield’s first win isn’t too far away with Lino driving the attack.

Hood blow

Wakefield will be without hooker Liam Hood for Friday’s home against against Hull KR.

The Scotland international failed a head injury assessment in the loss at Salford, so that comes a a blow to Applegarth’s side. He was going well for Trinity before being forced from the field.

How it happened

• 4′ The ball goes wide to Matty Costello who opens the scoring for Salford. Marc Sneyd converts. (6-0)
• 10′ Wakefield level the score through Corey Hall after a break down the wing from Jorge Taufua. Mason Lino converts. (6-6)
• 14′ Reece Lyne puts Trinity in front as he crashes over out wide. (6-10)
• 35′ Corey Hall leaves the field for a HIA but later returned.
• 38′ Salford’s Chris Atkin goes over after three consecutive sets on the Trinity line. Sneyd converts. (12-10)
• HALF TIME: Salford 12-10 Wakefield
• 57′ Wakefield hooker Liam Hood leaves the field for a HIA.
• 60′ Rhys Williams denied try in the corner by a fantastic cover tackle from Morgan Smith.
• 69′ Lino adds a penalty goal for Wakefield after Shane Wright was penalised for a late hit on Lino. (12-12)
• 74′ Sneyd kicks drop goal to edge Salford back in front. (13-12)
• 76′ Lino levels the score with a drop goal. (13-13)
• The game goes in to golden point extra time.
• 85′ Marc Sneyd kicks his second drop goal to seal a 14-13 win for Salford.
• FULL TIME: Salford 14-13 Wakefield

How they lined up

Salford: Brierley; Sio, Cross, Costello, Williams; Croft, Sneyd; Ormondroyd, Ackers, Vuniyayawa, Wright, Watkins, Atkin. Subs: Stone, Addy, Dupree, Sidlow. 18th man: Bourouh.

Tries: Costello, Atkin Goals: Sneyd 2 Drop Goals: Sneyd 2

Wakefield: Kay; Kershaw, Lyne, Hall, Taufua; Smith, Lino; Atoni, Hood, Whitbread, Ashurst, Pitts, Crowther. Subs: Battye, Bowes, Eseh, Hewitt. 18th man: Butterworth.

Tries: Hall, Lyne Goals: Lino 2 Drop Goals: Lino 1

What they said

Salford coach Paul Rowley said: “I was relieved in the end – that was stressful. I’ve never been involved in a golden point game before so you’re just praying you don’t make an error, but ultimately, it was a game where nothing was given either way.

“Thankfully Sneydy held his nerve and did what he has done many times before.”

Wakefield boss Mark Applegarth said: “It stings a bit but I can’t fault them for effort. I was proud of the boys’ efforts. The boys are trying their hardest. They gave 100 per cent but this was a game that came down to one moment.

“Salford are one of the most dangerous attacking teams in the league so we knew what sort of threat they would pose. We didn’t get into any good field positions until late in that second half and had to be patient.”

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