Late Hodgson try clinches vital points

David Hodgson's try sealed a nervous win for Salford against fellow relegation battlers Hull KR despite a mighty comeback from the hosts.

Salford had scorched into a 16-0 advantage before Rovers had touched the ball but, hindered by 13 consecutive penalties from rookie referee Gareth Hewer, the Reds had seen their advantage slip to just two points early in the second half.

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However Reds' boss Karl Harrison refused to lay the blame at the referee, insisting: "We put ourselves under a lot of pressure." But Salford's lively scrum-half Luke Robinson, who scored one try, created two others and was the clear difference between the sides as the Reds hauled themselves to within a point of Rovers at the foot of the table, was told he must still improve.

"He was instrumental in a lot of things we do well, but he needs to put his brains into gear sometimes," said Harrison.

"That's what's stopping him at the moment. He's full of passion, he's a tough little character, defensively he's very good – he just needs to be more patient.

"He's instrumental in what we're building in Salford, but he also needs to assist other people. It's not all about Luke Robinson, it's about Salford City Reds." Robinson's break had set John Wilshere clear after just 38 seconds to open the scoring, then his well-placed pass sent Luke Dorn galloping over three minutes later.

The visitors completed their dream start when Andy Coley and Hodgson worked enough room for Aaron Moule, but Rovers quickly woke from their slumber.

Jim Gannon and Mark O'Neill both crashed through and Mark Lennon cut the gap even further with a try on his Rovers debut.

But Robinson scampered under the posts after good work from Gray Viane and Dorn down the right flank and, while Jon Goddard kept Hull's hopes alive, Hodgson wrapped things up following Dorn's neat pass.

Andreas Bauer's last minute try set up a frantic finish but Rovers' boss Justin Morgan was furious with his side. "You play for 80 minutes, not 70," he blasted. "There's no character in coming from behind and not getting the points. That's not character. Character is starting from the beginning, building pressure on teams and playing the percentages.

"We had enough ball and opportunities to win three games and we didn't. I'm mystified at the moment." Morgan also refused to comment on speculation linking the club to Hull FC star Paul Cooke.