Powell power puts Keighley on top

Salford 14 Keighley Cougars

Rugby League

Keighley won at Salford for the first time since 1963 to go clear at the top of the First Division at the end of a compelling game that showed there is life outside the Premiership.

In fact, there was more competitive vigour in the first few minutes of this match between the First Division's two unbeaten sides than in the whole of some proceedings in the top flight.

With their forwards running powerfully and Steve Hampson linking up from full-back in his old style, Salford dominated the first half-hour, going ahead through a Steve Blakeley penalty. A scrum won against the feed gave Salford the opening for the first try, Hampson kicking on the last tackle and the tall Nathan McAvoy getting above the defence to claim the ball, with Blakeley adding the goal and another penalty to put his side into double figures.

Keighley got into the match when Daryl Powell, watched anxiously for form and fitness for England duty in the World Cup, slipped the ball to Grant Doorey and the Australian prop went 25 yards to score.

Five minutes later, the Cougars, inspired by their remarkable travelling support, were level, Hampson spilling Chris Robinson's kick, Nick Pinkney scoring from Martin Woods pass and Simon Irving kicking the goal.

Blakeley put Salford back into the lead with another penalty early in the second half, but the momentum was still with Keighley, Jason Ramshaw getting over the line twice only to be turned on to his back and denied a try. At last, Ramshaw got one that did count, courtesy of Wood's presence of mind in playing the ball quickly to himself and finding the Keighley hooker steaming up in support.

Irving's goal put the Cougars four points ahead, but that margin was halved when Ian Gately obstructed Blakeley who duly put over his fifth goal. Keighley finally made a nerve-jangling contest safe five minutes from time, Salford dropping the ball for Powell to toe ahead and Irving to score both the try and goal.

Even Richard Webster's late tackle that demolished Jason Critchley in the last minute was a fitting ending. There was nothing being held back for the Super League in this game.

Salford: Hampson; McAvoy, Naylor, Martin, Ford (Rogers, 67); Panapa, Blakeley, Young, Lee, Eccles, Forber, Webster, Gregory.

Keighley: Stoop; Eyres, Pinkney, Irving, Critchley (Dixon, 80); Powell, Robinson, Gately, Ramshaw, Doorey, Fleary, Larder (Cochrane, 58), Wood.

Referee: P Lee (Leigh).