St Helens Town 0-3 AFC Blackpool (From St Helens Star)

St Helens Town 0-3 AFC Blackpool

4:19pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in Sport

 

The Liverpool Senior Cup encounter with landlords Ashton Town was a typical scoreless contest, with few clear chances either way, yet St. Helens started much the brighter, pacy winger Phil Williams causing the home side several problems. Lee Crompton saw his fierce header pushed clear by keeper Nathan Brabin at full stretch and Adam Howard broke and crossed for Steve Edwards, who forced another fine save from the home stopper. As the half progressed Edwards threatened the home line again, but his goal bound header was deflected over the bar. The second half saw Town lose Edwards and captain Carl Osman to injury and despite substitute Ash Rimmer creating a couple of half chances there was little goal threat until late in the game when a powerful header from Andy Newcombe forced Brabin into tipping the ball onto his crossbar.

The competition rules no longer provide for extra-time, so the game went straight to penalties. Keeper Brabin capped a fine individual performance with two excellent stops and when Town’s WIlliams fired wide it was Ashton who celebrated progress to the quarter finals.

Town’s poor week was complete as they bowed out of the League Challenge Cup as AFC Blackpool hit three second half goals to ensure their progress.

The opening 24 minutes saw plenty of midfield sparring without either keeper having to make a save but Town were to concede a penalty from a rare foray forward from the sea-siders. Lee Novak, in the Town goal, produced a fine save to deny Donnelly from 12 yards and this spurred the home side into action. Town’s best chance fell to Adam Storey who found himself one-on-one with the Blackpool’s Walker but he fired high and wide, Andy Newcombe almost gave Town the perfect start to the second period but he was unable to hit the target with a powerful header after good work from Williams.

Moments later the home side capitalised on Town’s defensive problems and Waddington coolly slotted past Novak. Donnelly headed a second on 69 minutes and despite a brief Town fight-back with substitutes Judge, Dunne and Edwards going close Town succumbed to a third goal in stoppage time.

This Saturday sees Town make the short trip to Wigan Robin Park, 2.00pm kick off and next Tuesday (6th November) they entertain title favourites Bootle FC at Edge Green Street, kick off 7.45pm.