Stefan Ratchford touched down twice and was inspirational throughout as struggling Salford recorded a famous victory over engage Super League leaders St Helens.

The rangy half-back, 21 later this month, claimed his two tries in the first 10 minutes and full-back John Wilshere converted both to put the Reds 12-0 up.

Remarkably, a third score arrived in the 16th minute when Ratchford orchestrated a fine flowing move which culminated in centre Darrell Goulding crossing in the left corner.

Salford deservedly led 16-0 at the break and, though Saints responded in the second half with a try through young replacement Andrew Dixon, there was no comeback.

The Reds lost stand-off Jeremy Smith to the sinbin in the 53rd minute but their workrate and desire harvested a fourth try five minutes later when wing Mark Henry touched down to send a raucous home crowd into raptures.

Francis Meli claimed a late consolation for the visitors in the 79th minute but the result ended Saints' record-breaking run of 16 straight away wins on a night when nothing worked for Mick Potter's side.

They badly missed injured trio Keiron Cunningham, Leon Pryce and Jon Wilkin and there was more bad news as Sean Long was replaced in the second half having succumbed to a facial injury.

Salford were missing rising star Richie Myler through injury, but they drove at the heart of St Helens from the first whistle.