Abbey Hey 0 St Helens Town 4: IT was a case of 'all's well that ends well' as Town visited the Gorton district of Manchester on Saturday where a late three goal salvo put the correct perspective on a game they dominated.

In picking up the three points they went to the top of the NWCL with a hundred per cent record from three outings and they will be looking to impress when they play their first home game on Saturday when Glossop North End come to Knowsley Road (3pm kick off).

Town's star performer on Saturday was left wingman Paul Langley who's pace and trickery created a host of chances but he himself set the tone for a wasteful afternoon when he blazed over an open goal after rounding the keeper in the third minute.

He was to fully atone for this with his later contribution and the Abbey Hey goal had a charmed life as Langley created chances for Quick and Cooper (twice) but it was to remain intact until the 41st minute when Town at last took the lead.

Paul Heavey was the scorer with a cool finish after Baker's fine pass had sent him free down the centre and the lead was almost doubled on the stroke of half time but Abbey Hey's Minshall made a vital saving header after Heavey had done well.

Town took a while to get into their stride after the break and it meant the hosts had their best spell and they would have levelled on 48 minutes had Phil Wood not shown superb reflexes to turn aside Heaton's effort.

The resultant corner saw Pickford rise to send a header, which Salt cleared off the line and when a firm drive from Kharias thudded into Wood's chest, it was time for St Helens to press the accelerator again.

They did so through the runs of Langley down the flank and substitute Reay (on for Cooper) stabbed wide with only the keeper to beat in the 54th minute.

More Town pressure ensued and Pickford saved the hosts with a crucial header as Reay's cross arrowed towards Heavey then Langley and Baker worked a clever short corner routine with the later curling a 20 yarder just wide.

On 70 minutes home keeper Williams made a fine double save from Reay then minutes later bravely swooped at Nestor's feet after more magic from Langley up the left.

When Bells back header hit the post on 80 minutes it seemed Town were destined to 'sweat out' the last ten minutes aware that one error could erase all that had gone before.

Therefore it was a relief when they reached the comfort zone with a second goal with eight minutes remaining when Gary Reay slotted home after Heavey had unselfishly teed him up from a Langley cross.

Heavey himself was the scorer of number three as Abbey Heys stubborn resistance wilted and a downward header was a formality after Baker had done the spadework on the right.

Town did survive one moment of near embarrassment when they were fast asleep as Abbey Hey's Minshall took a quick free kick, which past inches beyond the angle with no one defensively prepared.

Their reply however was positive and only a desperate block by Starkie prevented Paul Heavey grabbing his hat trick but Terry Nestor followed up to slot home number four in the 89th minute to complete an emphatic win.

The club wishes to apologise for the cancellation of last Wednesday's home match against Curzon Ashton and the inconvenience caused.

This was due to unfinished drainage work at Knowsley Road, which has since been completed.

On Wednesday, September 12 Town are at home to Great Harwood in a league game, kick-off 7.45pm.