Salford: 10 (6)
Tries: Dorn, Alker
Goals: Wilshere
Catalans: 0 (0)
Salford claimed their first win of the season after edging a dour and error-strewn contest at the Willows.
The Reds conceded more points than any other club in the first three rounds but were able to nullify the threat of the dangerous French side.
Luke Dorn scored early on but Salford had to wait for an hour for another try despite having most of the possession.
After spurning a host of chances, captain Malcolm Alker sealed the points after darting over from dummy-half.
Salford coach Karl Harrison:
"I thought we were defensively outstanding. It was reminiscent of last year's efforts. "Catalans have been playing well this season and took Leeds apart last week, but we nullified their attack.
"I don't think they looked like scoring all night. It was not pretty but it was desperate that we got the result."
Catalans coach Mick Potter:
"We did miss Aaron Gorrell, but that's not the reason we lost. "They defended really well and handled the conditions better than us. We played a little too much and didn't value possession enough.
"I have been pleased with Thomas Bosc and Casey McGuire but you can't replace Stacey Jones. He is world-class and it will be a boost if he is back next week."
Salford: Hodgson, Williams, Littler, McGuinness, Wilshere, Dorn, Robinson, Coley, Alker, Korkidas, Adamson, Edmondson, Finnigan.
Replacements: Halliwell, Gower, Jewitt, Haggerty.
Catalans Dragons: Greenshields, Murphy, Wilson, Mogg, Pelo, Bosc, McGuire, Fellous, Teixido, Guisset, Raguin, Croker, Mounis.
Replacements: Berthezene, Chan, Ferriol, Gossard.
Ref: S Ganson (St Helens)