New loan signing Steve Tyrer was the star as Widnes turned round a 12-point half-time deficit to topple league leaders Salford City Reds.

After trailing 16-4, two tries from Tyrer, signed earlier in the day from St Helens, turned the game on its head.

Teenage substitute Jason Crookes then ended a run of three straight defeats with his late try, coolly converted by Tyrer, for an 18-16 victory.

The 8,189 crowd was the biggest in the National League since it began in 2002.

A first league win since 18 May takes Widnes back into the play-off places. And the dramatic introduction of Tyrer, who made a rapid debut after joining two other Saints players Chris Dean and Matty Smith at the Stobart Stadium, was highlighted by coach Steve McCormack.

"Our sporting director Terry O'Connor has worked wonders to get them here," said McCormack. "And we're grateful to Saints for their help.

"They're great young players and they'll benefit from regular first team rugby over the next few weeks.

"The win could be the turning point in our season. We needed those three points and we fought brilliantly to get them against a very tough side."

It looked as if Widnes might be heading for a fourth successive defeat and a slide nearer the League One relegation zone when tries from Paul White, Jason Walton and Robbie Paul gave the Reds a 16-4 half-time lead.

But man of the match Tyrer pounced for two tries in 10 minutes to turn the game round and bring the home side back to 16-14.

And, although Salford edged clear again to 18-14 when centre John Wilshere kicked a third goal, 18-year-old Crookes touched down to level the scores nine minutes from time. And Tyrer kicked his second goal of the night to claim a dramatic victory.