WITH the Carlsberg FA Vase still at the second qualifying round stage last Saturday, St Helens Town's exemption until the second round 'proper' meant a blank weekend for Jimmy McBride's charges.

On the NWCL league front their hundred per cent record from five games cannot be bettered but they have to settle for fourth spot at the moment having played far less than some of their rivals.

Those rivals, namely Salford City, Mossley and Clitheroe were involved in league action last Saturday and made significant progress so Town's trip to Clitheroe this Saturday takes on added spice with the 'Shawbridge' side one of the title favourites having finished runners up last season.

Clitheroe, who made a slow start to the new campaign reached the FA Vase semi-final last term before going out to eventual winners Taunton who in turn, beat Town's fifth round conquerors Berkhamstead in a tight final at Villa Park. So both St Helens and Clitheroe are no strangers to pressure matches and Saturday's clash should be no exception, kick off 3pm. Coach leaves Knowsley Road at 12.30pm.

Three nights later there's another stiff challenge for the St Helens squad in a local derby at Prescot Cables in the first round of the Liverpool Senior Cup. It's a repeat scenario of last season when Town came through to face Southport at Haigh Avenue and once again the Sandgrounders await the winners.

The sides have already met at Valerie Park this season when Town took the honours in a roller coaster league game which produced seven goals and saw the lead change three times as Lee Cooper edged St Helens to a four-three win

If Tuesday night's cup tie is anything like the previous meeting it is one not to be missed, kick off 7.30pm. Last Saturday's free day may have disrupted continuity but at least it allowed extra time for injuries to heal and Jimmy McBride should have a full strength squad (Ste Phoenix apart) to pick from this weekend.

Most notable recovery in centre back Gary Jones who has struggled with a fluid on the knee problem since the win over Glossop three weeks ago but thanks to the Knowsley Road backroom staff, his return is earlier than expected.

On a general note the club have organised their annual autumn Sportsmans Dinner in conjunction with the Willowbrook Hospice.

The event takes place in the Knowsley Road cabaret room on Saturday, November 24 and features comic Eddie Archer whilst star attraction is former Liverpool, Tranmere and Republic of Ireland star John Aldridge. Ticket arrangements will be announced shortly.