Marshall encouraged by performance, '˜cut up' by result at Leigh

Fax dropped a place to fourth on the league ladder after Leigh edged home 36-30 with a late Craig Hall try, leaving Keiron Purtill’s expensively assembled full timers just a point behind their visitors.

There was plenty of food for thought for Marshall after his side led 18-6, then fought back from 30-18 to level at 30-30 before a Rhys Evans breakaway finally tipped a see saw contest Leigh’s way.

“There was a lot that went on in that game,” said Marshall.

“We could dissect a lot of things from it, but we ended up getting beat; not by a lot, and not for lack of effort.

“We raised our game, but we couldn’t finish it off, which we’re pretty cut up about to be honest.

“We started at a good pace, we were comfortable going in at half time at 6-6 and we’d played the game on our terms.

“They got a roll on in that second half; they’re playing towards their fans and it always lifts them.

“I thought it was an outstanding effort by our players to get back from 30-18 to 30-30, but they managed to get away down the left at the end and shut us down.

“We couldn’t sustain the intensity, but you wouldn’t have known one of those teams was in Super League last year and the other was part time.

“It would have been nice to put Leigh out of sight as far as the top four is concerned, but you have to give them credit.

“It was a high pressure atmosphere in there today and they got away with it at the end.

“The full time teams are dangerous when they’ve got momentum and they’re running hot.

“Reynolds was good for them today and Hutchison’s been playing very well.

“But I thought our forwards really stood up, I was really happy with their aggression and our discipline.

“I thought they unravelled a bit in that area, but we kept our focus.

“We’ve got to go to Swinton next week, where we’ve a pretty poor record, and get a result.”

Fax had outstanding individuals across the park, and had full back Kieren Moss, the on loan Hull KR player, making a solid debut, scoring a second half try.

“Keiren looked sharp,” said Marshall.

“He slipped over a couple of times, but he looks electric.

“I really liked the way he carried the ball back and he was in the right place at the right time defensively.

“I think he’ll be a really good acquisition for us for the rest of the season.”