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Salford City Reds 68 Rochdale Hornets 0

Dave Lawrenson
20/ 3/2008

SALFORD City Reds’ final dress rehearsal for the start of their National League One campaign could not have gone much better.

Apart from a dodgy 28-minute spell in the first half when they dropped the ball far too often, the Reds played exceptionally well in Friday’s Northern Rail Cup clash with League Two Rochdale.

As promised, head coach Shaun McRae fielded his strongest available side, who confirmed their group four winners status with a 12-try demolition job.

The Reds cut through Rochdale’s defence like a knife through butter at times and it was great to watch.

Promising young guns Andy Ballard, Stefan Ratchford and Richard Myler were particularly impressive in attack. They led the Hornets a merry dance with their pace, invention and fine footwork and were all rewarded in the form of a brace of tries.

On this showing, all three players look to have bright futures in the game.

Ballard’s goal kicking was one again exemplary and he always looked a threat out wide.

Ratchford clearly has an astute rugby league brain. He marshalled the troops well and showed several classy touches in the middle of the park.

Some of Myler’s passes were jaw-droppingly good. And, with the way the jet-heeled youngster backed up play and punched regular holes in Rochdale’s defence, you could have been forgiven for thinking that you were watching Leeds’ Great Britain star Danny McGuire in action.

The pick of Salford’s tries was certainly one that McGuire would have been proud of. Myler picked the ball up in his own half and scythed through a couple of would-be tacklers in a stunning 54th minute solo effort.

Six other Salford players touched down as the Reds proved that they can score tries all from over the park.

Every Salford player should be pleased with their contribution to the Rochdale romp. But, looking at the bigger picture, the main plus point on Friday night was the way that Salford defended.

The Reds’ defence has been a cause for concern in some of their outings this season. But on Friday night it was spot on.

Salford’s poor first half handling paved the way for Rochdale to have a fair chunk of possession near to the Reds’ try line. To have survived that and then gone on to ‘nil’ the Hornets was the perfect tonic going into the league opener at Leigh tonight, Thursday, March 20.

Team: Fitzpatrick; Ballard, Wilshere, Gardner, White; Ratchford, Myler; Nash, Alker, Stapleton, Sibbit, Brocklehurst, Turner. Subs used: Bannister, Jewitt, Littler, Leuluai. Tries: Fitzpatrick, Ratchford (2), Ballard (2), Wilshere, Gardner, White, Stapleton, Myler (2), Littler. Goals: Ballard (10). Attendance: 3,758.

Click on the video window to see match highlights and Shaun McRae's post-match thoughts ...