Salford City 0 St Helens Town 1 THE common denominator in both meetings between the two clubs this season was glorious sunshine.

But although Saturday's encounter at Moor Lane lacked the sweltering temperatures of the season's opening day, Town were too hot for Salford.

But the scoreline doesn't tell the full story as Jimmy McBride's men could have had a hatful but squandered chance after chance before pulling it out of the fire with just three minutes to go and gain revenge for their opening day slip up at Hoghton Road.

Finishing apart, Town were sound in all other departments and it is encouraging to see the way the side has flourished since the arrival of Paul Kirwan and the switch of Ian Street into the back four and once Town find their shooting boots again, someone is in for a roasting.

The catalogue of misses started in the 11th minute when Walmesley was put clear by Kirwan but the lob went wide with the keeper stranded then Walker did likewise as intelligent movement sprung the offside trap.

In between, Shaw was unlucky with a brave header from Hill's free-kick while Walker sought a penalty after being bundled between Marsden and keeper Stones.

Salford posed just one threat in the first period when Reilly did well to get first contact on a driven cross to deny Harrison while the half ended with Town's Walker making a fine solo burst before shooting narrowly over.

Having changed their formation, Salford resumed the second half in more positive style with Town skipper Lowe having to make a clearing header at the far post but once the Hoghton Roaders settled again, the pattern became the same.

On 53 minutes Walker broke down the inside left channel but could only find the side netting then three minutes later came a glorious chance to settle the rising frustration when Town were awarded a penalty for hands against Swindells but keeper Stones guessed right and beat out Walker's spot kick. Bouncing off their luck Salford rallied and Denison caused a stir in the Town area but Street finally cleared for Town to win a corner which Pennington met with a glancing header but McIntosh was stationed on the line.

Next Shaw was almost onto a weak back pass but keeper Stones just got in the clearance before Salford raided to win a free kick which Allison could only beat down before smothering as Burke darted in.

Another glancing St Helens miss came on 73 minutes when Stones dropped a cross at HIlls feet just six yards out but a reckless blast saw the ball clip the bar and go over more subtlety would have sufficed.

Five minutes later Salford escaped again when Walker went clear but in attempting to round keeper Stones had the ball whipped off his toe and by now frustration was at boiling point.

Pennington was next to clear the bar after chesting down but with just three minutes left the veil was lifted when Walker cut the ball back for Chris Walmesley to gleefully stab home and end the despair of all that had gone before.

This Saturday Town come home to entertain Kidsgrove Athletic (3pm).

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