Another remarkable performance from Barrow Raiders saw them snatch a late win at Salford.
Never as far behind as they were against Dewsbury, which needed a record-breaking comeback, they had not been in front until the 78th minute.
Brad Walker’s penalty snatched a 22-20 win – a minute after his previous penalty had pulled the Raiders level.
Paul Crarey really has instilled a very special brand of togetherness and never-say-die attitude into this particular squad, who are joint second in the Championship.
It’s been a remarkable effort by the Raiders, with only three defeats in their 17 games.
Salford are very much improved as the season has advanced and they made a positive start.
They scored on seven minutes following a penalty for holding down.
They set up decent field position and Owain Abel jinked his way over for Dixon to convert.
It took to the 20th minute for Barrow to draw level after some good, sustained pressure ended with Luke Cresswell going over from close range. Walker converted.
But five minutes later Keane Gilford flung himself over in the corner as Salford regained the lead and Dixon converted.
A subsequent fracas ended in Walker and Brad Dwyer having to spend ten minutes cooling off in the bin.
Barrow were in trouble defending their own line on 30 minutes and Oliver Garmston scored Salford’s third try, again improved by Dixon.
Four minutes before the break Barrow scored a vital second try after Salford had been doing particularly well in defence.
The hosts were undone, however, by a floated pass from Ryan Johnston and Luke Broadbent finished well in the corner. It was Johnston who landed a fine touchline conversion.
It was tough and hard-fought in the second-half and the only try was scored by Barrow on 57 minutes.
Sustained possession from the Raiders saw heavy pressure on the home line where eventually Luke Broadbent got over in the corner.
Vitally, in the end scheme of things, another fine touchline, this time from Walker put Barrow level.
On the hour, though, Salford regained the lead with a Dixon penalty after Barrow were caught offside.
Then followed some relentless pressure from Salford but the Raiders defended superbly against repeat sets.
Then on 77 minutes Alex Bishop threw a pass from dummy half and it hit a retreating Salford defender who is offside. Walker kicked his side level with the penalty.
Then a minute later Barrow play the ball and hits a Salford defender lying in the ruck. Walker needs no bidding and he lands the penalty for the win.
It’s been another pulsating clash and eventual win….but blood pressure checks in Barrow on a Monday morning are on the increase!
Hear Paul Crarey’s verdict below:
