Characterful Crusaders are a delight for Dixon; RUGBY LEAGUE CELTIC CRUSADERS 25, SALFORD CITY REDS 12.

Byline: Simon Roberts

JOHN Dixon couldn't have asked for more as the Celtic Crusaders put all their off-field troubles behind them to record their third Super League victory.

The Crusaders' charismatic Aussie coach saw his side produce a performance of char-acteand determination to end a week which saw Wales' only professional rugby league side put the most traumatic time in their short history behind them.

This victory saw the Reds join Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors in becoming the third big scalp of the Welsh side's inaugural campaign in Super League.

It also ended a week which saw the Crusaders rocked by allegations of financial difficulties, visa problems and the prospect of finding a new home away from Bridgend next season.

"The character the players showed was the highlight of the game for me," said Dixon.

"We talked about playing and showing composure, but being 12-0 down so early in the game was a daunting prospect. So we have to be happy with a 25-12 win.

"Sometimes, as a coach, you can have great preparation and everything runs smoothly, training is great and everybody is fit and well, and the side plays like bums.

"That can happen, but other weeks when you have trials and tribulations and all sorts of things to deal with and then you play as well as we did.

"Week in, week out there are traits which this team have shown and one of them is that they won't lie down.

"We have played some good sides and things have been pretty tough but they won't go away. But I have been proud of this team from day one."

The omens didn't look good for the Crusaders when they leaked two soft tries by Luke Adamson and Stuart Littler early in the first half to see Salford take a 12-0 lead.

It certainly looked like all the off-the-field distractions had an impact on the home squad.

But with half-back Matty Smith, who was back after injury and imperious with the ball in hand and with the boot, pulling the strings, the Crusaders launched a fightback.

Taking an 18-12 interval lead, they stunned the Reds by scoring 25 unanswered points to clinch the win.

Smith, who must be the best passer of a rugby ball in either code in Wales, must be the best kept secret in professional sport in Wales this season.

The former Everton FC trainee, who is on loan from St Helens, was at the heart of everything for the Crusaders.

Dixon already knows how im-portanSmith, who is already being talked about as Sean Long's heir apparent at St Helens, is for his side and hopes to keep him at the Crusaders next season.

"We have talked to Matty," said Dixon.

"We have communication lines open about keeping him here. I talked to him this week and the desire to keep him here.

"Matty likes Wales, this footy team and the mates he has made in this team."

Smith's high ball saw wing Marshall Chalk score the home side's first try before the half-back's long pass put Anthony Blackwood in for their second score.

It was then Smith's superb long kick that put the Reds under all sorts of pressure and moments later Lincoln Withers had crossed for the Crusaders' third try.

After the break, Smith got his own fully deserved try and a late drop goal - and the Crusaders got the win they both deserved and needed.

Celtic Crusaders: D Quinn, L Dyer, M Chalk, M Dalle Cort, A Blackwood, M Smith, J van Dijk, R O'Hara, L Withers, M Bryant, J James, J Chan, P Lupton.

Scorers: Tries - M Chalk, A Blackwood, L Withers, M Smith; cons - D Quinn (4); drop goal - M Smith. Salford City Reds: J Wilshere, D McGilvray, S Littler, S Ratchford, M Henry, J Smith, R Myler, R Cashmere, M Alker, C Stapleton, L Adamson, A Sidlow, L Swain. Scorers: Tries - L Adamson, S Littler; cons - J Wilshere (2).

Referee: Phil Bentham (Warrington). Attendance: 3,009.

CAPTION(S):

Lincoln Withers, of Celtic Crusaders, forces his way past three Salford defenders to score a try at the Brewery Field on Saturday Matty Smith throws the ball up in delight after his try