St Helens Town 1 Vauxhall GM 2 North Western Trains Cup semi-final first leg THIS Saturday Town must go for broke if they wish to reach the final of the North Western Trains League challenge cup after last week's first-leg slip-up at Hoghton Road.

A great mid-week replay result at Clitheroe set up Town's semi-final encounter on Saturday and despite being largely second best they were only 10 minutes from victory but Vauxhall struck twice to record two precious away goals which puts them firmly in the driving seat.

A strong wind was influential in both teams' approach and Town had a couple of early escapes as they faced it first but neither Young, Blundell or Antrobus found the target for Vauxhall. So it was surprising when Town took the lead in the 21st minute with a peach of a goal as Gary Laird headed firmly past keeper Hilton from Griffiths' rising cross. This rocked Vauxhall and a minute later there was some controversy as to whether Pennington's downward header had crossed the line to make it two nil but the visitors got the benefit of the doubt.

Vauxhall then stepped on the gas as Town's defensive clearances billowed on the wind andTown keeper Allison did well in a scramble resulting from Spellman's inswinging corner but Town reached half time a goal up.

Immediately upon the resumption Town keeper Allison got down smartly to parry Young's volley on the turn before smothering the loose ball as Williams threatened. On 48 minutes Town's Pennington lofted a downwind effort just over the bar from 20 yards then made a stooping header from Allison's huge clearance but Hilton got down to save.

On the hour Griffiths blocked Spellman's clearance to go clear but a poor shot was the outcome as Walmesley replaced Hill. The long throws of the Town sub were beneficial with Lowe linking up to volley wide from 20 yards then a Laird - Griffiths link had Pennington stabbing just wide at the near post. The final quarter belonged exclusively to Vauxhall as Town failed to retain possession putting the back four under heavy pressure which ultimately told in the 80th minute when Karl Spellman took a diogonal pass in the inside right slot before slipping a tackle and coolly beating Allison as he came out. Town couldn't really complain as they had been living dangerously but it got worse with just two minutes left when Spellman speeding down the right, whipped over a perfect first time cross and Kevin Thompson rose at the far post to head across goal and inside the far netting.

So Town know what they have to do on Saturday and hopefully will have Paul Kirwan and Chris Quirk available again. Kick off 3pm. Coach leaves 12-45pm.

Lottery numbers 3 4 6 11 12 15. No winners £820 on numbers 1-17 this week.

Town fans should check the club's information line on 817225 for confirmation of a midweek game.

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