Tow Law Town 2 St Helens Town 1

(after extra time) COUNTY Durham has not been a happy hunting ground for Town this season. They went out of the FA Cup five weeks ago at Ryhope. And on Saturday, it was FA Vase dismissal at Tow Law.

At Ryhope, Town got what they deserved but the same could not be said about Saturday's thriller at Tow Law and but for a highly dubious decision could well still be on the Wembley trail.

A missed penalty kick also compounded the situation but it was all part of the spice which added to a stirring occasion.

Playing up the pronounced slope first, Town had a bad first half and Tow Law's Laidler created havoc with the alarming amount of space he was given and he was twice denied in superb fashion by Town keeper Allison.

Earlier Town had a valid penalty claim turned down when Pickering tripped Walmesley but it was a rare St Helens threat and it cam as little surprise when Suddick fired Tow Law ahead after latching onto Moran's pass in the 19th minute. Allison rescued Town again close to the break after some shocking over indulgence by Walmesley and Laidler ought really to have scored.

The second half was a mirror image of the first but with Town calling the shots and Tow Law were under severe presure with Hill, Pennington and Phoenix putting in early efforts. On 52 minutes Town's O'Neil cut along the bye line only to be tripped by Pickering but home keeper Dawson anticipated Walker's spot kick and sprang to his left to save. Despite this, heads didn't drop and two minutes later Town were level when Hill found Pennington with a quick free kick and the top scorer cleverly diverted the ball home from ten yards.

Unrecognisable from their first half showing Town swarmed forward again and Tow Law's Vasey was relieved to see Pennington's diagonal chip evade the far post after the defenders error.

With sub Bennett on Tow Law broke out of their shackles temporarily and forced a couple of corner kicks which town eventually got away before the pendulum swung again and on 80 minutes O'Neil brought a good low save from Tow Law's Dawson. With nine minutes left high controversy denied Town a legitimate goal when the linesman's flag ruled out Phoenix's close range stab home when he had clearly come from behind the ball onto Walmesley's cut back. Home fans alike couldn't believe it but Town got on with it and set up a barnstorming finish with Gilmore coming closest with a reflex header which just went over.

The advantage of the slope reverted back to Tow Law as extra time got under way and Town again were uneasy at the back and another super Allison save spared Kirwans blushes after he had headed into Laidlers patch. However, in the third minute of extra time Tow Law got their noses in front again when the ball spun off Williams attempted clearance and a vicious bounce completely deceived Kirwan and although Allison again saved well, Bennett was on hand to convert from 18 yards.

Immediately after the turnaround Town lost Pennington through injury and Jones came on to play his part in a St Helens barrage as they once more attacked the goal they had had earlier success in and it was breathtaking drama as bodies got in the way in the six yard box.

With time running out Town had to throw caution to the wind and Allison was again the saviour as Tow Law broke out through Moorhead and Bennett but with every home player back in his own area as the whistle sounded, Town's brave effort came to an end.

This Saturday Town entertain Ramsbottom in a league game at Hoghton Road, kick off 3pm. On Tuesday November 11 they visit Atherton LR

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