Bulls battle past Salford
Steve Menzies scored the only try of the game as Bradford edged out lowly Salford 7-0 in a dour contest at the Willows.
Last Updated: 27/02/10 9:29am
Bradford made sure Salford are still searching for their first Super League win in 2010 with a hard-fought 7-0 victory on their travels.
Steve Menzies scored the only try of a contest that will not live too long in the memory of those who were on hand to witness it at the Willows.
A penalty from Matt Orford increased the lead for the Bulls in the 66th minute before Paul Sykes sealed the two points with a late drop goal.
Salford, who have now lost all four of their outings in Super League XV so far, failed to muster a point in reply.
Concern
While a second straight win, fresh off the back of a home success over Castleford, is a boost for Bradford, their performance will still be a little concerning to coach Steve McNamara.
They should have been out of sight by half time but all they had to show for 40 minutes of complete dominance was Menzies' lone effort.
The veteran Australian finished off some good work by firstly Brett Kearney and then Sykes to finally break the deadlock after 24 minutes.
Already by then chances had been wasted by the visitors - Rikki Sheriffe twice failing to touch down precise kicks from half-backs Orford and Kearney.
The winger was not helped by a hamstring injury that forced him off at the break, meaning Dave Halley moved out wide with Sykes going to full-back.
Salford's inability to pose a problem in attack was summed up by their supporters cheering a 21st minute penalty that allowed them to get out of their own half like they'd just crossed for a match-winning try.
They did manage to finish the first half strongly and came close to getting off the mark when Luke Swain was held up just short of the line.
Handling errors
Stefan Ratchford's handling error then ruined a promising attack while at the other end Stuart Reardon also knocked on when well placed.
With further tries unlikely, Bradford opted to boot over a penalty to extend their lead and put them a converted score ahead with only 15 minutes to play.
Ratchford almost stole through for a dramatic try with four minutes remaining only for stand-in full-back Sykes to come up with a crucial tackle.
The England international then made his mark at the other end of the field with two minutes remaining, dropping a one-pointer that put the game to bed.
