Leeds consolidated second place in the engage Super League to move two points clear of hosts Salford.

But the visiting Rhinos, who trailed 6-4 just before half-time, had to work hard to shrug off the spirited Reds.

Leeds included 19-year-old Ashley Gibson for only his second start, in place of injured centre Chev Walker.

But there was no place for Aussie prop Mark O'Neill, who was expected to make his long-awaited debut after a shoulder operation.

Leeds were also missing Kevin Sinfield, Lee Smith and Chris Feather but Salford had their own problems with forwards Ian Sibbit, Gareth Haggerty, Simon Baldwin, Sean Rutgerson and Andrew Brocklehurst all sidelined.

The Rhinos, who had never lost a Super League match against Salford, went ahead after 10 minutes with Luke Robinson penalised for a high tackle on Rob Burrow.

Leeds shot upfield with Gareth Ellis pushing off a couple of defenders to grab the opening try.

Burrow missed the conversion but Salford are a transformed side these days and hit back in style after 20 minutes.

Simon Finnigan shot onto Malcolm Alker's pass with John Wilshere adding the goal before missing a straightforward penalty.

Karl Fitzpatrick was only denied a Salford try by the post after Robinson's kick but Leeds regained the advantage with a sparkling try.

Keith Senior and Danny Williams combined smartly down the left touchline for Jamie Jones-Buchanan to charge through to put the Rhinos ahead 10-6 at the break with Burrow adding the extras.

Leeds increased their lead only three minutes after the restart with Andrew Dunemann failing to stop ex team-mate Richie Mathers but Burrows was again off target with the conversion attempt.

The Rhinos made it 20-6 with a long-range Danny McGuire effort after Williams charged down Dunemann's kick and picked up the loose ball to feed the Great Britain stand-off who was injured scoring the converted try.

Finnigan's second try reduced the arrears to 20-12 but Williams almost immediately grabbed the Rhinos fifth touchdown.

Salford never gave up and deserved their third try in the last minute from Wilshere, set up by Fitzpatrick.