Ian Watson explains why his Huddersfield side lost to Salford

Ian Watson’s Huddersfield Giants side came up short last night in the Challenge Cup against his former club Salford Red Devils.

It was a bizarre game as the Giants battled back from 24-0 to make it 24-22, fell 42-22 behind and lost 42-40.

After the game speaking on Viaplay, Watson explained why the Giants lost.

He said:

“Just the swings in momentum. Probably two very attacking teams in the style that they played.

“The momentum was with Salford in the first 20 minutes and that is ultimately what got Salford the win.

“That turned part way through the first half and we made the most of our opportunities and then in the second half it got away from us a bit.

“There were some poor defensive decisions as we didn’t number up properly and they caught us out and that has cost us in the end, a few drop balls in positions where you don’t want to drop the ball.

“Salford are good enough to make us pay.”

He added that it was a lot better than his side’s recent displays:

“That was miles better. That was miles better. You can look at the defence, especially early doors, but we got control of that part way through the first half.

“There were a lot more pleasing signs than we have seen in the last three weeks.”