St Helens Town 1 Clitheroe 1 SATURDAY'S North Western Trains Challenge cup quarter final produced the result neither side wanted and means the pair will have to meet for a fifth time this season.

The replay takes place on Monday, February 22 (7.30).

This would not have been necessary had Town been able to hold out for the last five minutes of normal time but after having gone into extra-time, they had keeper Mike Allison to thank as Clitheroe posed the greater threat.

Up to that point the Town keeper had enjoyed a comfortable afternoon as his colleagues kept the FA Vase quarter finalists at bay but with such familiarity between the sides, there was little threat from either early on. Grimshaw wasted Clitheroe's best chance in the opening stages when blasting wide following a huge throw-in while Walker was Town's livewire but put a free header wide before cutting back for Laird who just couldn't stretch enough.

The interval was reached with neither keeper troubled as defences dominated in the clinging conditions but after the break and attacking the Hoghton Road end, Town began to have more success. Walker and Laird combined to set up Bickerstaffe but the finish was lacking then Bowers made a goal saving block from Laird who had initially charged down Hart's clearance. In between, Town had lost Kirwan through injury who was booked simultaneously for a cynical body check on Gardner. Reilly came on and his first work was to head a dangerous Grimshaw corner clear before in the 63rd minute Town took the lead.

The goal was an embarrassment for Clitheroe keeper Parrott who's attempted clearance was foiled by a wicked bobble and as the ball ran loose, Gary Laird won the race to slot home. Parrott then saved competently from Walker before making a vital punch off the same player's head as Hill crossed. In between, Town's Jones made a great tackle on Welch who threatened to go clear and the Clitheroe man was denied a 75th minute equaliser by Reilly's goal line clearance from an acute cut back.

Three minutes later Town could have sealed the tie but for a fine reflex save by Parrott from Laird which proved significant. Watches were being checked as Clitheroe made a late surge to save the tie with Dunn firing inches wide before Allison did brilliantly in a one-on-one with Hill. With just under five minutes left Town let their guard slip and for the third time in as many meetings succumbed to a Clitheroe header from a set piece. Dave Gardner was the beneficiary this time with a glancing effort from a whipped in corner kick and it could have got worse for Town but for Allison's fine block from Riley at the death. The extra time saw a slog in the gathering gloom with both keepers making early saves while Town's Lowe put in a good 25-yarder which went wide. Early in the second period Allison superbly tipped over Welch's shot on the turn while Lowe was denied Towns best chance by a vital block from Rhodes before Bickerstaffe failed to find the unmarked Pennington in the clear.

This Saturday Town entertain reigning champions Kidsgrove Athletic, with a 3pm kick-off.

Town supporters have organised a race night at the club on Thursday February 25. Tickets £1 including hot pot, all are welcome.

Nobby Stiles and Norman Hunter feature in a sportsmans dinner at Hoghton Road on Thursday April 1. Enquiries to John McKiernan 600612, tickets are £25.

Numbers drawn in Town's lottery were 4, 8, 11, 13, 19 and 20. There were no winners and a draw for £600 takes place on numbers 1-19 this weekend.

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