Brian Noble has praised his team after Salford City Reds recorded a narrow 34-30 win over Castleford Tigers during his first Super League match in charge of the side.
The former Bradford Bulls and Wigan Warriors coach was named as Phil Veivers's replacement earlier this month.
Noble told Sky Sports News: "I'm really pleased for the players. We finished on the right side of a basketball-style game and it was thrilling and exciting.
"We had to show plenty of character to defend like we did in the last five minutes. We did a lot of good things going forward, though I know there is work to do after looking at the league ladder.
"But it can be cured in time and we need to start raising the bar. At times we looked good with the ball."
The result leaves Salford 13th in the Super League table.