Simon Garner made two changes from the side beaten at Bamber Bridge, with Danny Morton returning at right back replacing Adam Freeland and Steve Mercer returned after a six week absence to replace Roberto Bonaminio.

After a feisty start to the game when the referee had to speak to a number of players, it was Richard Burns who had the first shot of the game on 13 minutes. He cut in from the left wing and shot from the edge of the box went just over the bar.

Salford’s best chance of the first half was on 28 minutes when Andrew Dawber blocked Ashley Dunn’s shot.

The Blues took the lead on 33 minutes through Jason Hart, who hit a brilliantly taken half volley from 20 yards which went in off the post.

Some good approach play led to the Blues second goal on 41 minutes. A superb back heel from Sefton Gonzales left David Lynch in the clear and the Blues skipper finished confidently to place the ball past Salford keeper Sam Guthrie.

Half time 2-0.

Salford proved more of a threat in the second half with former Manchester United, Watford & Portsmouth striker Danny Webber making several surging runs forward, giving the Blues defence a real test.

When Salford did have sight of goal, Andrew Dawber was there to deny them with several fine saves, the best being a one handed save from Gareth Seddon on 66 minutes.

Blues almost made it 3-0 on 68 minutes with their best chance of the second half. After Burns beat the Salford left back, his cross in to the area fell nicely to Substitute Cory Bent whose first time volley was brilliantly tipped over by Guthrie for a corner.

With just three minutes remaining, Ashley Dunn pulled a goal back for Salford. The Blues defence then held firm for the remaining minutes to hold on for a famous victory.

Team: Andrew Dawber, Danny Morton, James Walker, Steve Mercer, Danny Brady, Simon Garner, Danny Wilkins (Sam Dickinson 81), David Lynch, Sefton Gonzales, Jason Hart (Cory Bent 55), Richard Burns. Subs not used: Adam Freeland, Seydou Bamba & Ryan Charnley.