MISSED chances proved costly as Salford Reds crashed to defeat in their final National League One clash.

Reds were never at their best in Bridgend as the Crusaders gained a boost in readiness for the next time they meet in the play-offs.

Salford will have home advantage in a fortnight's time but will need to improve and show greater sharpness if they are to take just one game to book their Grand Final ticket.

Reds' football director Steve Simms admitted a sluggish Salford side never played to their full potential against the club who have also gained a Super League licence.

Simms said: "If we can take any positives from the game it's the fact that we turned in an average performance and could still have won.

"We fluffed some golden opportunities. Steven Bannister had a very good chance and then Luke Adamson made a great break but we couldn't finish off.

"We didn't play well but we can now look forward to the play-off game. We'll train this week then have a bit of time off because it's been a long season with the Northern Rail Cup, but then everything will be geared towards the play-offs.

"The Crusaders' completion rate was far better, it showed and influenced the game. We know we didn't play well and we will have to improve."

Matt Gardiner and Stephen Ratchford scored tries for the City Reds, but a strong showing from the Crusaders secured glory for John Dixon's side.

There were a number of good individual performances in Bridgend but Reds never gelled as a team.

Shaun McRae said going into the game he welcomed the clash but Reds did not have the toughest preparation in terms of the strength of the opposition ahead of their trip to South Wales and this showed.

Steve Simms adds: "We want to bounce back from this defeat. We set ourselves targets and goals at the beginning of the season and want these to be completed."

Salford reported no injury worries from Saturday's game.

Reds will this week step up their chase for North Queensland Cowboys centre Mark Henry. Tweet