Kallum Cesay scored the winning goal as Salford City beat Swindon 3-2 for the second time this season.
The Ammies began the game brightly and went close to opening the scoring when debutant striker Ryan Graydon headed a teasing Luke Garbutt’s cross wide.
But Swindon’s reprieve would be short-lived as Oliver Turton met Garbutt’s corner with a galancing header to give Salford a deserved 24th-minute lead.
Karl Robinson’s side doubled their lead when Kelly N’Mai finished off a patient passing move.
The home side were second best early on but halved the deficit through defender Joel McGregor’s looping header.
Despite the setback, Karl Robinson’s side continued to control proceedings and went close to restoring their two-goal cushion when Jorge Grant’s inswinging corner hit the crossbar.
Graydon squandered a golden chance to put Salford further ahead when Swindon goalkeeper Connor Ripley miscued an attempted clearance and was stranded outside his box.
Salford scored their third in the 72nd minute when Daniel Udoh squared for Cesay to fire home from inside the box.
Swindon, who began the day six points above Salford in League Two, set up a grandstand finish when Aaron Drinan headed home from Fletcher Holman’s cross, but Salford held on to record a valuable three points.
With the win in Whiltshire, Salford have moved level on points with Swindon and Walsall who are in the automatic promotion places.
Robinson’s men will turn their attention to a rematch, with the Robins set to visit the Peninsula Stadium on Tuesday night in the FA Cup.
The Salford boss will hope for a similar result with a fourth round tie against Manchester City the prize for the winning team.
