Super League: Salford Red Devils 16-17 Wigan Warriors

Brad Singleton scored twice for Wigan as they overcame Salford

Jackson Hastings kicked a drop-goal to secure victory for Wigan Warriors against his ex-club Salford Red Devils and maintain their 100% league start.

Wigan trailed 14-10 at the break - Harvey Livett scoring a try and three goals, while ex-Wigan forward Jack Wells also scored.

Brad Singleton added a second to his and Liam Farrell's first-half tries to put Wigan level at 16-16.

It was a nip-and-tuck finish, and it took Hastings' boot to settle it.

Wigan left it late to make it seven wins from seven in the Super League, and served up a scrappy display punctuated by indiscipline.

However, there will also be a sense of satisfaction from Adrian Lam that his somewhat cobbled-together backline, which included Joe Shorrocks at centre, came up with the result.

And the Wigan fans who were in the ground to see it jumped with delight as the crucial drop-goal sailed between the sticks.

Harry Smith was an influence, creating Farrell's try with a super break and composure to avoid being tackled, while Singleton's power was key to his two tries.

For Richard Marshall, it will be a heart-breaking feeling after his side were extremely competitive throughout and led at half-time.

They had plenty of chances to score points, and belied their lack of form to trouble the Warriors.

But whereas Morgan Escare missed his shot at the drop goal, former hero Hastings punished the Red Devils.

Salford deserved at least a point out of that game, I thought they were really courageous. I felt for them as a team - we got away with that one.

Wigan head coach Adrian Lam:

"I thought we were courageous and held on together during difficult periods of that game. You can't coach that at training. I think there were plenty of reasons why it was an ugly win, but I don't want to go down that path. We've won seven out of seven.

"It looks like lower hamstring strain [for Bevan French], though I'm not sure what level. That will get checked tomorrow and we'll get some clarity on the damage.

"I knew it was going to go down to the wire. It's a long season and I can't get angry at everything we do wrong. We are going to have days like that. I applaud the players for hanging in there together. That will come back to reward us."

Salford head coach Richard Marshall:

"I thought the better team lost. The game was probably the story of our season and we contributed to our own downfall.

"The Salford attitude I love and respect was there in abundance. We were not smart enough as a group, but we will get experience through learning. We will take the good points from the game and learn from the negatives.

"The difference between the teams was marginal - just a couple of moments of brilliance by a couple of their players. I thought Wigan had to work for every single inch today. There was loads of effort from us, but we need to start winning some games."

Salford: Escare; Sio, Watkins, Livett, Williams; Lolohea, Patton; Ikahihifo, Addy, Burke, Lannon, Pauli, Taylor.

Interchanges: Atkin, Lussick, Ormondroyd, Wells.

Wigan (from): French; Manfredi, Shorrocks, Bibby, Hardaker; Smith, Hastings; Havard, Powell, Singleton, Bateman, Farrell, Partington.

Interchanges: Bullock, Byrne, Clark, Pearce-Paul.

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