Smith's late score proved crucial for the Super League leaders

St Helens: (14) 27
Tries: Talau, Pryce, Meli, Cunningham, Gilmour
Goals: Sculthorpe 3
Drops: Smith

Salford: (22) 26
Tries: Ratchford, Wilshere 2, Hodgson, Coley
Goals: Wilshere 2, Hodgson

Matty Smith's late drop goal clinched a hard-fought win for an under-strength St Helens over battling Salford.

Salford looked set for the win when they led 26-14 after tries for Stefan Ratchford, David Hodgson, Andy Coley and two for John Wilshere.

But Saints came back with tries for Keiron Cunningham and Lee Gilmour - both converted by Paul Sculthorpe.

Smith inched Saints ahead but they were given a late scare when Luke Robinson's drop goal effort hit the upright.

Saints went into the games without the likes of Paul Wellens, Matt Gidley, Sean Long, James Roby and Jon Wilkin.

They took an early lead through Willie Talau but Salford showed their spirit when Ratchford collected Robinson's chip for his first senior try.

Leon Pryce put the home side ahead again before Wilshere and Hodgson both took advantage of two passing errors by the Great Britain international to crash over the line.

Francis Meli went over from close range but his side were made pay for another mistake just before the break when Coley pounced on a loose ball to score.

The Reds looked set for a first win at Knowsley Road in 27 years when they were first on the scoresheet in the second half after Wilshere touched down in the corner.

But Saints rallied and Cunningham and Gilmour gave them hope before Smith's late intervention sealed the points.

"Our young players are learning that the game is not all a bed of roses. We deserved to win but we gifted them some tries like the one just before the break which was a ridiculous one to concede.

"Salford got brave and we seemed to decide to have a go at coming from behind. Sometimes you need tight games although it's hard to chase ones like that.

"But credit to our young blokes like Matty Smith who scored the winning drop goal and Scott Moore who charged one down at the other end."

"We played pretty well and defended very well for long periods but we didn't play so smartly in the middle of the second half when we led by 12 points.

"There were five sets in a row where we handed over possession and gave them easy ball. You just can't afford to do that against St Helens.

"The boys came up with a fabulous effort and kept picking themselves off the floor to come back. Although we lost it looks good for the future."

St Helens: Pryce, Gardner, Tyrer, Talau, Meli, Eastmond, Smith, Graham, Cunningham, Cayless, Sculthorpe, Gilmour, Clough.
Replacements: Moore, Hargreaves, Fozzard, McGilvray.

Salford: Wilshere, Ratchford, Littler, McGuinness, Hodgson, Dorn, Robinson, Highton, Berthezene, Korkidas, Coley, Brocklehurst, Finnigan.
Replacements: Gower, Turner, Nash, Adamson.

Referee: Thierry Alibert (France)