St Helens Town 1 Newcastle Town 2

THIS clash of two sides with hitherto unbeaten First North Western Trains records at Hoghton Road on Saturday produced a very close contest. Alas, it was the St Helens record which fell.

Disappointing as this was, Town did have some cheer last week though when a 5-2 victory over Atherton Colls on Wednesday night saw them progress in the Floodlit Trophy.

Four goals in a 10-minute spell broke the spirit of the pitmen who played their part in an entertaining encounter. Town now entertain the winners of the Ramsbottom-Rossendale United replay in the next round.

Saturday's clash brought the side with the meanness defence in the competition to St Helens as a well-organised Newcastle outfit kept chances to a premium. They did not, however, create a great deal themselves but were beneficiaries of two penalty awards both conceded by the unfortunate Steve Williams whose rash tackles enabled Darren Twigg to blast home two venomous spot kicks in the 40th and 76th minutes respectively.

Town started positively as Griffiths took a quick free kick which keeper Holmes only just smothered at the second attempt as Laird raced in.

On 11 minutes a fine pass by Kirwen opened up Newcastle's defence but Holmes made a splendid block save to deny O''Neill.

It was then the Potteries side's turn to ask the questions but Town's on-loan keeper from Southport, Terry O'Hanlon, wasn't troubled by efforts from Twigg and Woodvine. The half then unfolded with defences on top as Clarke put in Town's best effort but his goalbound drive was blocked by Talbot following a corner.

Just as it seemed the stalemate would last up to the interval Newcastle's Woodvine cut along the front of the area only to be tripped by Williams' mistimed lunge and Twigg blasted past the helpless O'Hanlon from the spot to send the visitors in a goal up at the break.

It was now the visitors' turn to face the strong sun and telling wind and Town set about their task from the off in winning an early corner which Jones headed narrowly over the bar. Both Hill and O'Neill then put in good efforts as Town surged forward.

On the hour they drew level with Steve O'Neill the scorer with a perfect glancing header from Griffiths' left-wing cross.

At this point Town looked well set to go on and win. Alas it wasn't to be as Newcastle showed their quality to wrest the initiative again. Jones tripped Weston perilously close to the area's edge but the 'wall' held firm to block Walker's free kick.

On 72 minutes Town had a let-off when Buckle headed over when a goal looked certain but the Pottery mens' surge brought its reward in the 76th minute when Gillick linked up from deep to burst into the area when Williams wrestled him down in the six-yard box for an obvious penalty which Twigg duly obliged with.

Town mounted a big late rally to salvage a point and forced several crosses but sheer numbers kept the ball out to deny them the share of the spoils which they deserved.

This Saturday Town travel to Nantwich (coach 12.30pm for 3pm kick-off) before facing another away fixture on Tuesday, October 12 at Cheadle Town, kick-off 7.30pm.

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