Salford enhanced their glowing reputation by seeing off spirited French resistance on the continent.

French newcomers Catalans Dragons, under the guidance of new head coach Michael Potter and buoyed by last week's shock win at Warrington, were determined to avenge their 16-0 defeat at Salford in February.

They recovered from a 20-6 deficit to score 16 unanswered points but their hearts were broken by a late Salford surge.

Karl Fitzpatrick was the chief architect of Catalans' downfall. His darting runs posed a constant threat and he was rewarded with a brilliant first-half brace as the Reds cemented fourth place in the Super League table.

Catalans failed to score any points when the two sides met at The Willows but they wasted no time getting on the scoreboard at the Aime Giral Stadium.

They took a first-minute lead when Salford committed the cardinal sin of letting a high ball bounce and John Wilson was on hand to score.

Salford hit back when Fitzpatrick danced through a laboured Catalans defence following a superb chip and chase from David Hodgson.

And they took the lead after 25 minutes thanks to Wilson's untimely slip. It gave Aaron Moule an open invitation to claim his first try for Salford.

The Reds were over the whitewash again three minutes later. Gareth Haggerty put Simon Finnigan through a gap and his inside pass gave Fitzpatrick his second try of the game.

Andy Coley was next to get in on the act as the Reds threatened to cut loose. He latched onto Malcolm Alker's bullet pass and thundered through a two-man tackle from close range.

Alex Chan's converted try right on the half-time hooter gave Catalans hope and they were firm favourites for victory when a Mark Hughes' brace gave them a big cushion.

Catalans half-back Sean Rudder prevented a try of the season contender with a last gasp tackle on John Wilshere but Salford were not to be denied.

Alker sent Finnigan over and Moule bagged his second try following Luke Robinson's superb long pass.