The Don Valley part-timers came within minutes of ending league leaders Salford City Reds unbeaten record.

It took two tries in the final minutes to grab a 24-24 draw for Salford – a side packed with former Super League players including half-back star Robbie Paul.

The two points kept the Eagles in third place in National League One and set them up for three tough games ahead.

After a weekend off for the fifth round of the Challenge Cup Aston's squad must travel to Widnes Vikings, play second-placed Halifax at Don Valley and then face a return clash at Salford.

Astion said: "It's a big challenge over the next few weeks but it was shown against Salford that we can match anybody in this league – but I've always known that.

"The lads are disappointed that they didn't beat Salford but don't lose sight that if before the season we had been told we would get a 24-24 draw with Salford we'd have been happy."

The Eagles were always struggling for possession against Salford but they showed how to defend and take their chances.

Tries from Mitch Stringer, Brendon Lindsay and Ged Corcoran put them 18-10 ahead at half-time and that was extended to 24-10 with Lindsay's second soon after the break.

From then on it was all Salford with the Eagles forwards logging up massive tackle counts and fullback Jonny Woodcock – who had converted all the tries – cool as the last line of defence.

Aston said: "The forwards were outstanding – some of the tackle counts were ridiculous, touching 40. Craig Cook wasn't on for the full game but he was hitting 35 tackles."

Meanwhile, the Eagles have signed their first two apprentice professionals in 17-year-olds Daniel Hawksworth and Eddie Battye. Battye is from Penistone and Hawksworth is from Sheffield. Both are forwards and were part of the successful Hillsborough Hawks under-17s side last season.