Swinton Lions earn narrow victory over Salford on derby day

Salford 18 - 20 Swinton Lions

This was Swinton’s first win over Salford in 1985.

Author | Michael Haldsworth

Stadium | The Brick Community Stadium

The Lions made a bright start, and when Deane Meadows was the victim of a dump tackle after eight minutes, it sparked a fight between the two sides and resulted in Salford players Charlie Glover and former Lion Danny Lynch being sent to the sin bin.

Swinton had a couple of good opportunities as they looked to exploit the extra space in the defence, but Salford’s scrambling defence did well to deny Ellis Anderson twice.

Oliver Garmston was causing the Swinton defence plenty of problems at the other end, while Lewis Pilling had a fine chance but lost possession five metres from the line.

Salford only took the lead once they were back to 13 players, when a Stevens kick sent Anderson over on the left, with Stevens adding the conversion.

41. We find touch with the kick off and take possession at Salford's 10m

Salford 12 - Swinton 6#OneClubOneVision

— Swinton Lions RLFC (@Swinton_Lions) August 8, 2026

Salford hit back five minutes later as Garmston found a way through to score in the left corner, with Kieran Dixon converting.

Both sides created chances before the break, but it was Pilling who put Swinton ahead with five minutes remaining in the half, going over on the left. He appeared to lose control of the ball as he touched down, but a penalty try was awarded and Dixon converted.

Swinton were level immediately after the second-half restart when two Salford players allowed the ball to bounce into touch. Lynch crossed in the left corner and Stevens converted from the touchline.

Salford captain Brad Dwyer was held up before Harry Higham broke down the right for the Lions and found Tom Ratchford, who drew the full-back before putting Higham over. Stevens again converted.

Both sides then applied pressure on their opponents' lines

Strong defending kept the scores unchanged until Stevens extended Swinton’s lead to eight points in the 58th minute, converting a penalty after a high tackle on Sam Oakes.

Salford began to turn the screw and sustained pressure on the line saw Declan Murphy, Louix Gorman and Joe Baldwin all held up by an excellent Lions defence.

Garmston eventually found a gap with 15 minutes remaining and Dixon converted again to reduce the deficit to two points.

Trent Kelly-Duffy and Louie Roberts were both held up for the Lions before Dwyer went close once more.

The game remained finely balanced and Salford had the final opportunity when Joe Hartley broke down the right with seconds remaining. His pass to Gorman, however, went forward and Swinton saw out the final seconds to secure a famous victory.