Reds over the Moon at Odsal

Salford got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, running in seven tries as they saw off Bradford 38-18 at Odsal Stadium.

The City Reds had conceded 96 points in their previous two games against Leeds and Catalan Dragons but showed no lack of confidence as they put the Bulls to the sword, particularly in the opening 40 minutes.

They crossed six times in the first half alone to open up a commanding 30-6 lead that left the Bulls playing for nothing but pride after the interval.

The hosts had won three of their previous four outings but were very much second best in a clash between two teams with serious play-off ambitions in this year's Stobart Super League.

Better start

Salford made the better start in the battle of the sides occupying seventh and eighth place in the table at kick-off and went ahead after nine minutes.

Daniel Holdsworth's long pass found winger Josh Veivers and he managed to reach out and ground the ball despite the attention of opposite number Karl Pryce.

Bradford responded with a try from Brett Kearney and Jarrod Sammut's successful conversion meant they lead 6-4 after 15 minutes of play.

However, from then on the Reds ran riot. A Holdsworth kick rebounded kindly off a Bradford player for Moon to gather and score and then Stephen Wild broke clear to send Luke Patten around full-back Kearney.

Heath L'Estrange almost got the Bulls back into the game - his break being taken on by Elliott Whitehead but Tom Burgess' subsequent pass went astray and the chance had gone.

Pryce also crossed in the corner but the final ball to the winger was ruled forward, meaning another chance went begging for the frustrated hosts.

Their next break did result in a try being scored, albeit for Salford as Moon ran 60 metres to the line after scooping up a loose pass from Burgess.

Fortuitous bounce

Ashley Gibson took advantage of a fortuitous bounce as Holdsworth's diagonal kick reared over a wrong-footed Jason Crookes and Matty Ashurst added the visitors' sixth try right on the half-time hooter.

Bradford did grab the first score after the restart, Whitehead going over six minutes into the second half for a try that Sammut also converted.

But any slim hopes of a dramatic home comeback were dashed when Gareth Owen finished off another long-range break that had been started by Ashurst.

Bryn Hargreaves grabbed another try for the Bulls, though it was no more than a consolation effort with the two points already certain to be heading to Salford.

Holdsworth slotted two late penalties, bringing his final goal tally for the afternoon to five, and the final margin of victory means Salford leapfrog over their opponents in the table.