MARTIN Dewhurst turned chasing lost causes in to an art form as his goal settled this scrappy affair for championship chasing West End.

Dewhurst chased a long punt up field more in hope rather than anticipation but ended up on the scoresheet.

The wideman put pressure on the last St Matthew's defender then nicked the ball off keeper Lee Shorrock to role the ball in to an empty net.

Hardly a classic goal but they all count for a West End side who are in the hunt for more silverware following last season's Birtwistle Cup glory.

The goal, which came midway through the second half, finally broke down St Matthew's stubborn resistance.

While they did not have an attack of note, they defended doggedly until Dewhurst capitalised on Shorrock's hesitation in getting rid of the ball.

The Saints did have the ball in the net in the first half direct from a throw-in. But it was ruled out because nobody had touched the ball.

In fact, keeper John Thompson did get a hand to it but the referee missed it.

The poor playing surface and blustery conditions made for a scrappy affair.

Soon after the restart Neil Tattersall fired over the Saints bar following a strong run down the right.

Dewhurst just missed the target with a copy-cat run and shot minutes later.

Steve Elwood then went close with a diving header before Dewhurst's turn and shot on the edge of the area lacked power.

St Matthew's only chance of the half came when Stephen McAleese powered in a long range effort that Thompson did well to hold on to.

Dewhurst then finally broke the deadlock thanks to his moment dedicated to chasing lost causes.

West End did create chances to extend their lead and Elwood went close when his shot was well saved by Shorrock after a looping cross had come back out of the post.

Phil Southworth then fired wide after latching on to a good cross from Steve Curly.

At the death Southworth was denied a clear shot on goal thanks to a great tackle by Gordon Watson -- after Dewhurst and Elwood had carved out the opportunity.

BLACKBURN COMBINATION PREMIER DIVISION - West End 1 St Matthews 0

Ratings:

West End

John Thompson (keeper) Got away with 'goal' in first half and made a good save after the break...6

Gavin Brown (right back) Rarely troubled at the back and got forward when he could...6

Dave Greenwood (left back) Another who did not have to concentrate too much on his defensive duties...6

Neil Morris (centre back) Looked comfortable on the ball in centre of defence and used the ball well...7

Paul Thompson (centre back) Did a solid job at the back...6

Steve Elwood (right midfield) In the thick of the action after the break and had a few chances...7

HMartin Dewhurst (left midfield) Goal proved you should never give up lost causes. Linked up well with fellow attackers...7

Phil Southworth (centre midfield) Stamped authority in centre of the pitch and weighed in with a few crunching tackles...7

Neil Tattersall (centre midfield) Good work rate and got forward well...7

Steve Curly (striker) Full of running but chances were limited...6

Rick Johnson (striker) Another who had a his fair share of the ball but could not make the most of it...6

St Matthews

Lee Shorrock (keeper) Caught in possession for goal but made some decent saves afterwards...6

Jason Rippingale (right back) Worked hard to keep West End's attackers at bay...6

HGordon Watson (left back) Another defender who worked his socks off and made a great tackle at the end...7

Michael Coar (centre back) Did a good job on shacking Steve Curly...6

Alan Aspin (centre back) Did well to keep West End at bay for so long...6

Sam Heap (right midfield) Youngster played well but did not get that much of the ball and was subbed...7

Wayne Livesey (left midfield) Busy display down the left...7

Sean Mulchay (centre midfield) Mixed it well in the middle of the park...7

Robert Coar (centre midfield) Did a decent job against West End's midfield...6

Andy Prior (striker) Great second half strike tested keeper but did not see that much of the ball after the break...6

Andy Prior (striker) Another who had to survive on scraps up front...6