Widnes consolidated their top-six spot in Super League after a thrilling victory at struggling Salford.

But it needed a late try from Australian forward Robert Relf to condemn Salford to their fifth defeat in seven matches, after they looked like recording a hard-earned success.

With 12 minutes to go, a Bobbie Goulding penalty fired Salford ahead 20-18 against his old club after he was obstructed by Relf.

But there was still time for Relf to charge over, with Adam Hughes tagging on the conversion which secured victory for the visitors.

Widnes coach Ned Kelly said: "We always though it would be a tough game and it just shows the margin between success and failure.

"Our goal is to achieve security and although we are fourth in the league now we are still focusing on survival and not getting carried away.

Widnes had to survive a last-gasp decision by the video referee, though, who disallowed Damian Gibson's effort as he had been bundled into touch.

It was a pulsating contest which ebbed and flowed with Salford sweeping into a 12-2 lead after tries from Michael Wainwright and Stuart Littler.

Goulding added the two goals.

Widnes then hit back with two tries in four minutes just before the break.

Australian forward Daniel Frame and Jason Demetriou both went over, with Adam Hughes adding the extra points to edge the visitors ahead 14-12.

Treacy leveller

Hughes added a third try for Widnes midway through the second half when Steve Carter's kick eluded Steve Blakeley.

Salford were back on level terms at 18-18, though, with a try from Darren Treacy which was converted by Goulding.

That set the stage for the grandstand finish.

Reds' boss Steve McCormack recognised the work-rate of his players, but called for them to find that little bit extra.

He said: "I was pleased with our efforts, but that's not enough to win matches.

"We need a big improvement after our heavy defeat by Castleford in our last match and I can't fault the players' commitment."

Salford: Gibson, Littler, Hunte, Nicol, Platt, Blakeley, Goulding, Corvo, Alker, P. Highton, Jowitt, Treacey, Wainwright. Replacements: Shaw, Baynes, Hancock, Watson.
Widnes: Spruce, Demetriou, Potter, Hughes, Percival, Carter, Eaton, Relf, Cantillon, McDonald, Farrell, McCurrie, Frame. Replacements: O'Neil, Richardson, Weston, Mills.
Referee: Steve Ganson (St Helens)