Crusaders 18-22 Salford

Crusaders (12) 18
Tries: Martin, Flower, James Goals: Witt 3
Salford (10) 22
Tries: Godwin, Adamson, Ratchford, Sidlow Goals: Holdsworth 3

Adam Sidlow's late try earned victory for Salford against Super League bottom club Crusaders in a tight contest at the Racecourse Ground.

Tries from Tony Martin, Ben Flower and Jordan James looked set to earn victory for Iestyn Harris's men when they led 18-16 going into the final two minutes.

But Sidlow's last-gasp effort avenged this season's two losses to Crusaders.

Wayne Godwin, Luke Adamson and Stefan Ratchford all scored tries too, while Daniel Holdsworth kicked three goals.

Having already twice beaten Salford this season - the 42-12 Magic Weekend win at Cardiff back in February, and a 16-10 win at The Willows in early April - Crusaders looked on course to make it three when they got off to the best possible start.

In only the third minute, stand-off Tony Martin saw a gap from 30 yards out to dash over at pace, giving Michael Witt a simple conversion.

But hooker Godwin, sent off against Crusaders on the opening day, this time made the headlines for the right reasons as his try, converted by Holdsworth, levelled on 16 minutes.

Crusaders were back in front nine minutes later when replacement forward Flower took his chance, only for the Reds to again hit back with a try in the corner from second-rower Adamson.

Although Holdsworth faild with the kick, to leave his side trailing 12-10 at half-time, Salford made the better start to the second period and took the lead for the first time when a high ball was fumbled, allowing centre Ratchford to dribble the ball over football-style from 15 yards before grounding.

Holdsworth added the extras for a 16-12 lead, only for prop James to level, Witt's conversion putting Welsh noses back in front. But Sidlow's last-gasp effort won it for the Reds, Holdsworth's third conversion out of four sealing victory.

TEAMS

Crusaders: Tansey; Reardon, Thomas, Mellars, Kear; Martin, Witt; O'Hara, Withers, James, Chan, Winternstein, Cahill.

Replacements: L Williams, Sammut, Flower, Dudson.

Salford: Patten; Broughton, Ratchford, Gleeson, Henry; Smith, Holdsworth; Cashmere, Godwin, Boyle, L Adamson, Nero, Anderson.

Replacements: Paleaaesina, Sidlow, Jewitt, Neal.

Attendance: 2,576.

Referee: Robert Hicks (Oldham).