St Helens Town 3 Warrington Town 2

HISTORY repeated itself at rain-soaked Hoghton Road on Saturday where the two rivals produced the same scoreline as in their epic FA Vase meeting at Wembley ten years ago.

Highlight of the victory was a superb solo goal by Town skipper Gary Lowe who picked up a clearance in the centre circle and took on the outward-charging defence before drilling a sweet low shot past keeper Thomson to put his side 2-1 up.

Prior to that a goalless first half had ensued with Town's best effort coming from Pennington who clipped the bar from distance after seeing the keeper way off his line.

Warrington started well in the second half and McDonald twice looked likely to score only a crucial block and then the foot of the post keeping Allison's goal intact.

The goal the game needed finally arrived in the 58th minute when Town were awarded a penalty when Owen brought Langton down and Steve Pennington gave Thomson no chance.

Warrington levelled on 73 minutes when McDonald's right-wing burst beat the offside trap and sub Lee Ellis raced in support to convert the low cross.

But three minutes later they lost defender Ian Owen with a head injury and before they had re-settled, Lowe restored Town's lead with his brilliant solo effort.

And with six minutes left Town were gift-wrapped the points by Warrington keeper Thomson who spilled Boardman's back header enabling Paul Gwyther to stroke home from the area's edge.

Warrington had the last word with Lee Ellis again the marksman with a good finish at the far post to complete a sweet right-wing move but it was too late to salvage anything.

Lanes Trophies Town man of the match was Steve Pennington.

This Saturday Town return to cup football taking on old rivals Skelmersdale United at White Moss Park in the NWCL Challenge Cup, 3pm kick-off. And on Tuesday, October 21 they travel to Newcastle Town for a league game (7.30pm).

Shareholders are reminded that an EGM has been called for Sunday, October 26 in the club lounge at Hoghton Road starting at 10.30am.

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