Batley Bulldogs went into the forthcoming Betfred Championship play-offs on a losing note after a disappointing home display against Salford.

James Ford’s men will now travel to take on seventh-placed Sheffield Eagles after finishing their regular season in tenth spot.

In their final league outing they were competitive to the final hooter, but were edged out 18-16 against a Salford team with little but pride to play for after they had missed out on the play-offs.

Batley were looking to make it a good send off for Alistair Leak and Lucas Walshaw who were playing in their last match at the Fox's Biscuits Stadium after announcing their retirement from professional rugby league in the build-up to the game.

Lucas Walshaw and Alistair Leak are given a guard of honour as they leave the field for the last time at Batley Bulldogs players. Picture: Kevin Creighton

placeholder image — Lucas Walshaw and Alistair Leak are given a guard of honour as they leave the field for the last time at Batley Bulldogs players. Picture: Kevin Creighton

But it was Salford soon spoiling the party as they went ahead just eight minutes in with Joe Hartley going over and Kieran Dixon converting.

It got worse for the hosts with Evan Hodgson sin-binned for an off the ball incident, but their 12 men did manage to create a try chance and Joe Burton took it, with Ben Reynolds converting to level the scores.

The Bulldogs maintained their momentum and were over again in the 22nd minute when Oliver Greensmith scored to make it 10-6.

Reynolds was unable to tag on the extras, but did stretch the lead by two when slotting over a penalty.

Derrell Olpherts dives over for a try for Batley Bulldogs. Picture: Kevin Creighton

But the visitors fought back to be level at the break after Toby Hughes went over and Dixon goaled.

The next twist saw Batley make the better start to the second half to regain the lead as Derrell Olpherts charged over for their third try.

Reynolds was unable to add the conversion, but the hosts were presented with a big chance to pull clear when their opponents were reduced to 12 men with experienced hooker Brad Dwyer yellow carded.

However, they failed to push on and came under pressure themselves with Salford having three successive sets.

Robson Stevens takes on a Salford defender. Picture: Kevin Creighton

When back to their full number the visitors were able to add to their score with Hughes going over for his second try of the afternoon.

Dixon added the extras to nudge his side ahead and they held on to their slender two-point advantage to the final hooter.

Batley supporters briefly thought their side had come up with a winning score when Reynolds got the ball down over the line, but he was deemed to have been in touch in goal and it was not be for them on the day.