Image source, swpix

Jonny Lomax successfully kicks a drop-goal right on the hooter.

How significant will that be for St Helens later on?

Some afters as Saints successfully push out Joe Burgess as they go on the attack and thereby win another set of six before the break.

We're into the final few seconds, here.

Something of an edginess to this tie as we swiftly approach half-time.

Some nerves being felt on both sides.

Now it's St Helens' turn to make an error as they knock on in the build-up to an attack in Salford's 10.

The Red Devils regain possession, but can they use it to their advantage and level it up before the break?

Salford are penalised for a forward pass just before Morgan Knowles returns to the field.

So, in that 10-minute spell while Knowles was in the bin, Salford capitalised by six points but at one stage it looked like it would be a few more.

St Helens win a penalty just past halfway and, despite the distance, Tommy Makinson is going for two.

He misses the target, but because the ball goes dead, Saints will retain possession.

Ouch!published at 30 mins

30 mins

St Helens 12-6 Salford

What a tackle!

Jack Welsby goes in full pelt on Chris Atkin. St Helens setting out their stall against Salford, here.

Fair tackle, but Atkin has a bloodied face for his trouble.

So so close to Joe Batchelor's hat-trick.

Jack Welsby puts a lovely kick in as St Helens put Salford under pressure. But he can't quite get the ball down.

James Gordon
BBC Radio Merseyside Sport

The crucial thing for Salford now is they have to complete this next set.

They don't have to score off it, but they just need to keep Saints downfield.

Blimey.

Morgan Knowles has pulled on the arm of Chris Atkin and the game is halted temporarily as he receives treatment.

Atkin is in agony and the replays make it look worse. What on earth was Knowles thinking?! He's sent to the bin.

Jonny Lomax uncharacteristically spills the ball as St Helens once again press Salford.

A scrum follows and Salford begin their attack. Now would be a good time to force their way back into this game.

Image source, Getty Images

It's fair to say we've not seen the St Helens dominance we've been used to in recent years at the tail end of the 2022 season.

But Saints are on fire as we approach the midway point of this first half. Salford look short of answers.

Luke Adamson
Former Salford player on BBC Radio Manchester

Saints are absolutely relentless with everything they do, there's just no let-off.

Last week against Huddersfield has clearly taken a lot out of Salford so far.

Last-ditch tackle from Salford on Tommy Makinson as he raced down the wing as St Helens looked to get their second try in a matter of moments.

Joe Burgess is the man to thwart his efforts.

Meanwhile, Andy Ackers has failed his head injury assessment and that's a bitter blow for Salford.

Phil Kinsella
BBC Radio Merseyside Sport

Salford have just got to hang in the game.

it's clear Saints are on top at the moment and Salford can't concede too many points, as Saints will shut up shop and we know how hard they are to break down.

Luke Adamson
Former Salford player on BBC Radio Manchester

The intent from St Helens in defence is absolutely outstanding.

Salford aren't able to do any of the offloading they did against Huddersfield last weekend.

Well St Helens have started well and certainly look like a team who've had a week off leading into this semi-final.

But we saw how well Wigan started last night and how that turned out. Can Saints turn this early pressure into points?