using __doPostBack to fire linkbutton server-side event within an updatepanel postback

i have a linkbutton in an updatepanel with a server-side event tied to the Click event of the linkbutton. under normal circumstances this is fine, however, i would like to fire some client-side functions prior to the postback of the updatepanel. i figured the best way to do this is by calling  __doPostBack myself within a simple javascript function. my problem is two-fold: one, the page is posting back twice and two, the server-side event isnt being fired. i realize that the linkbuttons's event isnt wired up but i am not sure how to do so. also, why would the page post back twice?

does this make sense or do you need more explanation?

<asp:updatepanel id="actionUpdatePanel" runat="server">
<contenttemplate>
<asp:linkbutton id="takeActionAndSaveButton" runat="server" />
</contenttemplate>
</asp:updatepanel>
 
takeActionAndSaveButton.Attributes.Add("onclick", String.Format("ManualPostBack('{0}', '')", actionUpdatePanel.ClientID));
 
function ManualPostBack(postBackControlId, serverEvent)
{
    __doPostBack(postBackControlId, '');
}
 
protected void takeActionAndSaveButton_Click(object s, EventArgs 
{}

Select allOpen in new window