Jeffries proves difference for Wakefield

The Australian scrum-half, who recently ended his second spell at Belle Vue to return to Bradford, slotted his kick just after the hour mark to edge Trinity further ahead at 21-14.

Salford responded with a 70th-minute try from Andy Coley which Chris Charles converted to get within striking distance but then the nervous visitors imploded.

Their profligacy in the closing stages was such that they never even gota chance to attempt a drop-goal of their own to level.

Time after time, Salford players squandered possession with loose passing and woeful handling to let Wakefield off the hook.

A draw would have been a fair result given Salford’s endeavours throughout but in the end, Jeffries’s kick was decisive. Alongside him that day was current England second-row Gareth Ellis in the unaccustomed position of stand-off.

It was the captain’s try which had opened up a lead for Jeffries to extend but Sid Domic had been key.

The Australian centre benefited out wide running off the influential David Solomona to score two classy tries.

Solomona’s handling was sublime in the build-up and Salford could not cope with the Kiwi’s piercing attacking during a devastating spell at the start of the second half, Dave March converting the first.

Charles cut the gap with a penalty but Wakefield, including the likes of Jason Demetriou, Oliver Elima, Semi Tadulala and a young prop by the name of Darrell Griffin, got home

Winger Justin Ryder pounced on a kick-off fumble by Cliff Beverley over the try line to open Wakefield’s account.

March failed with the conversion but quickly added a penalty before Salford started to rouse.

Centre Stuart Littler forced his way over from close range in the 16th minute and Charles equalised after referee Steve Ganson penalised Domic for dissent

Gavin Clinch created a try for Beverley as he atoned for his earlier error, Charles’s kick making it 12-6 at the break but it would not be enough as Wakefield – who make their final trip to The Willows this evening – struck.