DEFEAT at Congleton extends unwanted sequences St Helens Town went down to another disappointing 2-0 defeat at Congleton on Saturday, due in no small part to two poor decisions from the referee and a toothless display by the Town team, especially in the second half.

It is now nine years since St. Helens enjoyed a victory at Booth Street and seven league games (six of them defeats) without scoring a goal.

Frustratingly, this was a Congleton side who were little better than Town, posing little threat in front of goal until seven minutes before half-time when Hudson scored with a header which appeared to meet with a deflection, sending keeper Rory Crowther the wrong way.

Previously, Andy Gillespie had a good chance on 10 minutes, but could not get any power behind his shot from a tight angle and goalie Ellison easily dealt with the attempt.

Jamil Saleh blasted a shot over the bar, following a rebound after 12 minutes and Gillespie set up Chad Whyte four minutes later, only for his goalbound drive to be blocked by Ellison.

Town should have been level right on half-time when, from a corner, Chad Whyte running wide of the far post was clearly brought down by Ellison who, failing to deal with the cross, dived full-length, taking Whyte’s feet from under him.

Quite how referee Hull missed it was a mystery for, had he seen it, it was either a stonewall penalty or a booking for Whyte for diving.

St Helens were very poor in the second half and, frankly, never looked like scoring.

Crowther saved well, diving at full stretch to deny Killeen after 58 minutes but the game was put out of the visitors’ reach after 69 minutes, due to another blunder by the referee.

James Rushton-Woods, just on as a substitute, lost his footing and fell heavily to the ground and appeared to be kicked by Anane.

To the surprise of the crowd, the referee penalised Rushton-Woods for a foul and, from the free-kick, the ball was booted upfield where former Stockport Sports striker Halfacre headed on to Haynes who scored just inside the far post.

The response by Town was most disappointing, losing virtually every contest and Congleton, without raising a sweat, ran out comfortable winners.

Town enter the NW Counties League Cup, re-named The Men United Cup, this coming Saturday at the Second Round stage with a short trip to Widnes for the first ever meeting between the sides. It is a game they should win, to go through to the last sixteen.

Tuesday night sees a return to league action, with Runcorn Town the visitors to Brocstedes Park (kick-off 7.45pm) with St. Helens looking to gain revenge for the 7-2 drubbing at The Pavilions in August.