The Red Devils faced defeat in a bruising game of playoff rugby, as Leigh Leopards progressed scoring a flurry of three tries in the second half.
The qualifier game took place at the Salford Community Stadium, and there was a lot anticipation with both sides hoping to secure a semi-final place.
However, it wasn’t to be with the Red Devils being beaten by a rampant second half display secured Leigh a 6-14 victory.
Despite the defeat, Salford started the game on top with help from the record number crowd of 10,867 roaring fans in the Community Stadium.
🏟️ Yesterday’s official attendance inside the Salford Community Stadium was 10,867.
A Club record – thank you, everyone, for your fantastic support last night, and across 2024! 👏 pic.twitter.com/T9ryWB4sYe
— Salford Red Devils 👹 (@SalfordDevils) September 28, 2024
With the Red Devils having numerous chances to post points as they spent much of the first 10 minutes in the leigh half but without reward.
Both teams gave away plenty of penalties in the first 20 minutes, but neither side was able to capitalise on these opportunities, struggling to make the most of their moments in possession.
However, the deadlock was broken when Man of Steel contender, Marc Sneyd, kicked a penalty goal after a no-try video referee decision and put the Red Devils into the lead, much to the relief for the full stadium.
With 27 minutes on the clock, the Red Devils led 2-0 and there was a lot of excitement with the opener.
Salford then had multiple chances to add more points onto the board, spending time with ball in hand in for the next five minutes but failed to take advantage.
With Coach Paul Rowley mentioning this in his post-match presser saying: “We pipped them in the first half but only came out with a narrow lead.”
But with the Red Devils failing to make the most of the opportunities in the first half they went in at half time leading by a small margin.
And this narrow lead seemed to be an issue, as after half time Leigh then took control with scoring three tries in the second half as Josh Charnley, Gareth O’Brien and Man of the Match Edwin Ipape crossing the line.
Coach Adrian Lamb described his teams second half performance as “inspirational” and said he was “incredibly proud” of his players.
It was not all good news for Leigh however, as midway through the second half try scorer and winger Josh Charnley went of on a injured on a stretcher.
With Lamb confirming the news during the post game conference sharing that he was in hospital and conscious.
Salford did pull back one try through winger Ethan Ryan, touching it down after a cross field kick.
Unfortunately, it was too little too late and the Red Devils season came to an end as the Leopards won the fixture 6-14.
As for Leigh they booked their place into the semi-finals, as they will travel to neighbours Wigan Warriors.
With the game taking place next Saturday they look to make club history, hoping to reach their first Super League Grand Final.
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