St Helens Town 1 Salford City 1

The decimation of Saturday's NWCL programme due to widespread waterlogging meant Town's scheduled trip to Atherton Colls was put on 'hold', giving Jimmy McBride's boys more time to reflect upon the midweek draw against Salford City.

The early overview of many observers in that the Kersal-based outfit have been the most impressive in the division so far, despite a faltering start. So it is testimony to Town's strength that they have twice now shared the spoils with Salford this term.

Hitherto a journeyman club battling more often against relegation than honours, Salford have been transformed by a big injection of resources so it was a stiff test for Town at a drizzly Knowsley Road.

The game reached the interval goalless due to some sound defending from both sides as livewires Cooper and Cowley (St Helens) and Kimmins and Giggs (Salford) were kept tightly under check.

The second half continued in a similar vein with good contributions all round but with little end product.

That all changed in the 70th minutes when Town fell behind, courtesy of a Tony Carroll header into the Edington end net. It came about as Town cleared a free kick out to the Salford left then charged out looking for an offside flag which never came. And as McIntosh whipped a skidding cross over, Carroll met the rising bounce with a simple header which gave Wood no chance.

Town sought to repair the damage and did so in the 80th minute when a good run from deep by skipper Gary Jones ended with a 25-yarder which hit the bar with keeper Melville tumbling backwards. And before he could re-adjust, Lee Cooper pounced to convert the rebound.

It had been 'even Steven' all the way but in the dying minutes Town almost snatched it when, following a left-wing corner, Robbie Cowley saw his effort hit the inside of the post before being cleared in haste by Brown. Thus, Town missed the chance to go third but are nicely tucked in the top four of Prescot, Mossley, Clitheroe and themselves, with games in hand.

On the player front, injury victims Gary Laird and Alan Johnson continue to make steady progress while the suspended Mark Ashton returns this week after a five-week ban and hopes soon to be joined by his brother Steve, who has missed two seasons with a cruciate-cartilage problem sustained while at Bangor City.

This Saturday at Knowsley Road, Town entertain last season's runner- up Newcastle Town, kick-off 3pm.

Next Tuesday evening Town are due at Flixton in round two of the Floodlit Trophy but this could change due to the current adverse weather so supporters should ring the NWC Leagueline on 09066 555 944 for confirmation.