St Helens Town 3 Ramsbottom United 2 TOWN'S title challenge stayed firmly on course with another three points at Hoghton Road on Saturday.

But after a whirlwind start which saw them two up by the 14th minute, things got a little too close for comfort and they will need to show more authority against the loftier challengers.

Before kick-off a minutes silence was held in memory of Canon Reg Smith who was the NWCL president and also a former vicar of Sutton Parish and who sadly died in mid-week.

And Town's Steve Pennington received his NWCL division one player of the month award for October but for once it was pleasing to see Town find the net from other sources other than the league's top scorer.

Even so, Pennington was involved as early as the fourth minute when a great first-time pass sent Steve O'Neil clear down the centre before coolly lofting over keeper Horridge as he spread himself to put Town one up.

Ramsbottom hit back with Hooton and Hulme showing class while Town old boy Vedmore did well and it meant some crucial defending for the locals but Williams, Kirwan and Lowe stood firm.

Walmesley was also inspirational going forward up the right and following a lofted cross Town went further ahead in the 14th minute when Phoenix did well to get around the back and a pull-back meant a virtual tap in for O'Neil's second goal. Ramsbottom's revival resumed on 20 minutes when Hooton found Chadwick on the area's edge and fine skill created the space for a shot which was superbly turned around the post by Allison in the St Helens goal. Five minutes later and with Town far too casual in the tackle Rammy pulled one back as Martin Hulme turned in Orrell's nod back from the by-line.

The Hoghton Roaders mounted a response in which a thunderous shot from Walmesley clipped the bar from 25 yards before Horridge saved at Pennington's feet following Hill's astute pass, but all the time the visitors were looking inventive going forward and on the stroke of half-time they drew level. Hulme was the architect with a left-wing burst and cross which was a defender's nightmare and the unfortunate Steve Williams turned the ball into his own net in attempting to deny Orrell.

Town's Phoenix did not re-appear for the second half but Donlan deputised and did a fine job at left back and his 50th minute involvement led to a great chance but a lack of communication between Gilmore and Pennington spared the Ramsbottom goal. A minute later a near-post power header by Pennington just missed the post before keeper Allison's sweetly struck clearance sent O'Neil through but Horridge raced out to make a brave save.

Midway through the half the complexion changed once more and Town keeper Allison had to be alert to save after Lowe's clearance had rebounded off Ferguson at pace. Allison then produced the moment which turned the game when Ramsbottom's Hulme got clear down the inside right channel but the Town keeper made a great double save as he forced the attacker wide. A minute later Town were back in front when Lowe broke from deep and as his shot was blocked, Gilmore teed up Franny Hill whose power drive arrowed beneath the bar from 20 yards. In the closing stages Town's O'Neil saw his ground shot parried across the goal face by the keeper but in the last minute Town nearly let it slip again but Hulme's free shot lacked direction from 18 yards.

Towns Lanes Trophies man of the match was Mike Allison.

This Saturday Town travel to Glossop (coach 12.30pm kick off 3pm) before facing a crunch contest at Hoghton Road on Wednesday November 19 when fellow contenders Newcastle Town are the visitors, kick off 7.30pm.

Numbers drawn in Town's weekly lottery were 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, and 13. There were no winners and this weekend's draw is for £1,020 from numbers 1-13.

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