TOWN picked up their first points of the season overturning an interval deficit which could have been greater than the 25th minute spot kick to which they trailed.

Town's first serious threat on goal came in the 23rd minute when Nezianya did well in the right hand corner before curling over a fine cross which beat home keeper Timms but was headed off the line by Robinson.

Just as Town were beginning to find a spark, they fell behind when Myerscough's driven cross from the left was handled at close range by Town's Wallace and Matt Burke put Salford ahead with a penalty.

After the break St Helens were a different team and were back on terms within three minutes when Lee Madin's powerful low free kick was spilled by keeper Timms and Gary Jensen converted from close in.

Whisker

Four minutes later Jensen was only a whisker away from putting Town ahead with a smart turn and shot from 20 yards which flashed wide and now with the wind in their sails, Town went close again when Byers drove narrowly over.

The tide was turning and in the 62nd minute when Salford had John Borg sent off for his reaction to an incident with Town's Madin.

On 65 minutes Town's Obong replaced Wallace to give more attacking options as by now ten man Salford were well on the back foot but they did have a tireless servant in Bancroft who put in two decent long range efforts.

The goal, which Town had been threatening, arrived in the 79th minute when a break down the left resulted in Jensen going clear before teeing up Obong for a tap in.

Town's FA Cup trail begins this Saturday when they travel to County Durham to take on Crook Town with any replay being at Knowsley Road on Tuesday, August 30, 7.45pm.

This is also the date Town are due to entertain Newcastle Town, which will take place providing neither club are involved in the FA Cup replays. Fixture confirmation can be found on Town's website www.sthelenstownafc.com