FOR the first time this season, Bradford Salem came out on top in a close encounter, as fly-half Matt Booth kicked a last minute penalty to take the spoils 24-22 at rock-bottom Hullensians in Yorkshire One.

The pitch at Springhead Lane was in remarkable condition given that water had to be pumped off the playing surface the previous day and Salem took advantage of the game going ahead by making the best possible start.

Their man of the match, Rhys Green, broke through some weak tackling straight from kick off.

Then, further bursts from Nick Fontaine and Max Trueman created enough space for winger Jake Green to squeeze over in the corner to give his side a 5-0 lead.

However, Salem spilled the ball from the restart and Hullensians drew level when second rower Aaron Smith scored from a catch and drive.

Hullensians were soon back on the attack, and when Salem full-back Jack Payne had his attempted clearance kick charged down, the ball was moved wide.

Scrum half Callum Arro was on hand to score the try to put the hosts 10-5 ahead, with still less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Booth reduced the deficit to 10-8 with a penalty before Salem regained the lead when Trueman jinked his way over the line after good work from Fontaine.

An excellent midfield break by Trueman soon had Salem back on the front foot.

Following a quick tap penalty, a neat off-load by 18-year-old centre Morgan Mirzaali enabled skipper Christian Baines to muscle his way over for a try to extend the visitors' advantage to 18-10.

Salem then suffered a blow when Rhys Green received a yellow card for a technical offence and Hullensians took full advantage.

Speedy winger Harrison Holmes went over in the corner, with centre Dom Bloomfield landing the touchline conversion to close Salem’s lead to 18-17 at the break.

Neither side seemed to be able to get the upper-hand in the second half, but, with seven minutes gone, Booth’s second successful penalty increased Salem’s lead to 21-17.

Minutes later, Salem were reduced to 14 men for a second time when Booth was sent to the bin, and, once again, the hosts took advantage as Holmes raced in for his second try to put Hullensians 22-21 ahead.

With just minutes to go, Salem were awarded a penalty in a kickable position 40 metres out, but, instead, they opted to run the ball.

However, the decision paid off as referee Jeff Hudson gave them a further penalty in front of the sticks.

Booth stroked that through the uprights to seal a hard-earned victory, Salem's second success on the road this season.

The win keeps them in 10th ahead of a tough home game against league leaders Heath this Saturday.