Super League: Late drop goal gives Wakefield draw against Salford

Jack Murphy: One of four try-scorers for Salford City Reds

Peter Fox: Scored opening try for Wakefield Wildcats

A late drop goal from Paul Sykes earned Wakefield a dramatic 23-23 draw with Salford in their Super League clash at the Rapid Solicitors Stadium.

The City Reds looked to be heading for victory after Marc Sneyd scored a one-pointer of his own four minutes from time, but Sykes struck even later in the contest to ensure the spoils were shared.

Wakefield ran in five tries but could only add one conversion, while the visitors crossed the line four times and kicked three of their attempts at goal.

Stand-in Salford coach Alan Hunte would have been keen to impress in his first match at the helm, but his team made the worst possible start as Peter Fox dotted down on an overlap to give the hosts the lead in the second minute.

But Hunte's men drew level with 13 minutes on the clock as Jodie Broughton grabbed his first try of the season after a Matty Ashurst break carved Wakefield open.

Lee Jewitt then came off the bench to dive over from close range and Sneyd added the conversion to put Salford six points ahead.

But the Wildcats kept coming and Tim Smith's no-look pass allowed captain Richie Mathers to play in Dean Collis in for a score, before Theo Fages stumbled in soon after to extend the visitors' lead.

Brilliant

Smith sparked Wakefield back into life as his brilliant pass found Frankie Mariano, who finished the move off with Sykes this time adding the extras before Sneyd's penalty on the hooter gave Salford an 18-14 lead at half-time.

The advantage was doubled seven minutes after the restart as Jack Murphy cashed in a free run to the line after a Mathers pass was coughed up by Lee Smith.

But the back-and-forth nature of the match continued when Danny Washbrook slid over from another Tim Smith pass, but the creator of the try limped off injured with 20 minutes left.

Wakefield were not fazed and levelled things up with 13 minutes left as Ben Cockayne went over after good work from Ali Lauitiiti, but again, Sykes was off-target with the kick.

After Sneyd had booted Salford into the narrowest of leads, Sykes did manage to atone for his earlier errors as he landed a drop goal late on to earn a point.

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