St Helens Town 1 Burscough 1 THE torrential rain of Friday and Saturday morning abated just too late to prevent Town's clash with Haslingden clash becoming one of several casualties in the North West Counties League on Saturday.

In midweek, a single point was a sparse return from a tense battle with old rivals Burscough .

The match was significant for the return to St Helens of former FA Vase hero Paul Wilson who pulled on the blue Town jersey for the first time in ten years and played his part in a solid defensive line-up which was breached only by a rather questionable penalty award.

Making his Burscough debut was another ex Town Wembley hero in Jay McComb who along with Paul Wilson have joined their respective clubs following turbulence at Unibond Trafford for whom they both won a NWCL championship medal last term.

Defences were tight with chances at a premium but Town had the greater intent and looked to have gained their just desserts when Steve Pennington bulleted home a 79th minute header from Hill's flag kick. However, within two minutes Burscough were on terms when Robbie Cowley took a tumble and arose to promptly dispatch the penalty himself and in doing so, keep him just ahead of Steve Pennington in the division one goalscoring lists which he leads. Towns Lanes Trophies man of the match Glenn Walker.

With successive home games against Darwen (Saturday 3pm) and Blackpool Rovers (Wednesday December 10 7.30pm) Town can do themselves a power of good if maximum points can be attained which with games in hand would mean a healthy position indeed at the seasons half way mark.

Spectators are asked to note that the club now has a telephone answering service which is updated regularly to inform of fixtures, travel, postponements etc. (telephone 01744 817225). Lottery numbers 3,4,7,9,14,17. No winners. This week £560 numbers 1-18.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.