Author and Warrington Wolves fan Rob Watson – aka Spirit of 55 – looks back at Saturday’s golden point win over Salford Red Devils…

IT is always difficult to know what to expect from a game towards the end of the season that has nothing tangible riding on it for either team.

As it turned out, we got a decent game that was a bit of a slow burner but ended with a thrilling finish.

Wire had several key players missing, especially from the front row, and Salford were good enough to give the somewhat makeshift Wire team a tough match for their last home game of the regular season.

Playing around half the match without a recognised prop is something I cannot recall seeing from a Wire team before. Players like Jason Clark, Jack Hughes and Ellis Longstaff stepped up to the challenge and held their own.

Ellis Longstaff played through the middle for long periods against Salford. Picture by Mike Boden

Ellis Longstaff played through the middle for long periods against Salford. Picture by Mike Boden

When I first saw the team, I must admit I thought there had been a mistake with Austin’s position being in the second row.

As it played out, he looked comfortable there and if you watched that game without knowing who he was, you could probably have been made to believe that he was a second rower.

It was certainly good to see him playing without any hint of sulking at losing his half-back spot. Being able to play in that position opens up the possibility of him taking at least a bench spot when the play-off games come around.

Again, there was a lack of flow and cohesion to the attack but they did still look capable of making breaks from individual moments.

Defensively, they worked hard and scrambled well together, only really coming unstuck when they allowed a late offload despite having four men in the tackle which led directly to Salford’s third and final try.

It is good to see Ashton back looking fit enough to play at the highest level, if nothing else he provides an extra option for Steve Price to choose from.

Matty Ashton is congratulated by Jack Hughes after scoring during the first half. Picture by Mike Boden

Matty Ashton is congratulated by Jack Hughes after scoring during the first half. Picture by Mike Boden

As they have done on a few occasions this season, the youngsters who were called upon looked like they belonged and performed to a high standard which is always pleasing to see.

The most pleasing aspect for me though is that the overall spirit and positivity that I am picking up on from the group is better than it has been for a few years.

They could have easily dropped this game with third place already assured, but they kept going until the end and the whole team approach to the celebrations after the winning drop goal was a good sign.

Before that winning moment, the spirit was shown even more impressively when pressure was applied to Salford’s attempt at a golden point drop goal.

I think it was Longstaff and Currie who sprinted out to make the kick so much more difficult – apologies if I have missed someone out.

That level of physical exertion coming in extra time in a game that they did not need to win is hopefully a reflection of the whole squad’s spirit.

Wire look well placed to give the play-offs a much better run than the last couple of years, especially if the first choice front row can return.

The finality of the play-offs, where there will be no second chances for Wire, mean that anything can happen to any team, but at least this year they look to be trying to give themselves a good chance of playing well.

After the Tour of Britain finished its fifth stage in Warrington, Wire are not quite in the breakaway group but they are nicely positioned in the peloton ready to make a decisive sprint for the line.