Reds turn on the style

Ashley Gibson: hat-trick for Salford

Salford produced by far their best performance of the season to put more than 50 points on Bradford and claim their fourth Super League victory.

Ashley Gibson grabbed a hat-trick as Salford ran in 10 tries in all, with Australian winger Mark Henry also crossing for a couple and inspirational skipper Daniel Holdsworth finishing with 20 points from a try and eight goals.

There was no hint of what was to follow as the Bulls made a flying start, with skipper Andy Lynch charging over from Heath L'Estrange's short pass after only 90 seconds.

Salford prop Ray Cashmere lost possession to hand Bradford the initiative and Lynch crossed for his second try of the season on the last tackle.

But Salford hit back with two tries in three minutes, with Holdsworth taking Vinnie Anderson's pass to force his way over and add the conversion.

Holdsworth then threw out a long pass for Henry to squeeze over in the corner despite a brave effort by Raynor. Holdsworth's touchline conversion made it 12-6.

Bradford were let down by appalling handling and paid the price after 26 minutes, with Holdsworth and Luke Patten combining for Gibson to mark his comeback with a walk-in try.

Elliot Whitehead was lucky to escape with only a ticking off from referee James Child for taking out Patten in the air as he fielded a high kick and little went right for Bradford after their encouraging start.

Sprinting

Salford made it 24-6 at the break with Matty Smith sprinting clear for Patten to put Jodie Broughton over in the corner, with Holdsworth maintaining his flawless kicking record.

Bradford needed to score first after the interval and Herbert obliged after 50 seconds with a superb weaving run from a Matt Diskin pass.

But their hopes looked to be dashed when Steve Wild managed to slip out a pass under pressure and Holdsworth put Matty Smith over to make it 30-10.

Gibson's second try, after shrugging off Paul Sykes, confirmed Salford's superiority and he completed his treble after slick play by Smith, Holdsworth and Patten.

Ratchford added an eighth touchdown after Patten stole the ball from Tom Olbison 10 minutes from time with Holdsworth's conversion making it 44-10.

Bradford were crumbling and quickly conceded another try to Henry, with Holdsworth's conversion bringing up the half-century.

The Bulls had to wait until three minutes from time for Herbert to bag his second and Bradford's third try.

But Salford still had the final say with Luke Adamson adding their 10th touchdown.

The only disappointment for Salford was that only 2,809 fans - their lowest gate of the season - were present to witness such an exhilarating display.