ST HELENS Town are hoping for a change in fortunes following another week comprising two defeats, one to promotion contenders and new boys City of Liverpool, 5-1, and the other in what was a disappointing 5-3 FA Vase exit to Chadderton.

Whilst the City of Liverpool defeat could have been expected, the Chadderton loss was a game that really should have been won.

Tuesday’s game was lost at half-time, when poor finishing and mistakes in defence saw Town go in at the interval 3-0 down. The second half was much better, once the Lomax brothers were introduced into the fray and the visitors had far more chances to score than the home side, but all Town had to show was a George Lomax goal in a 5-1 defeat before an astonishing crowd of 608.

This was the biggest league crowd of the season so far and former Runcorn Town manager Simon Burton has moulded a well-drilled unit including half a dozen former Town players who were no world beaters during their time at the club but who now look transformed due to injections of team spirit, winning performances and financial incentives.

Almost immediately after the game, the Lomaxes, Chris and George, left the club.

Town had real hopes of progressing into the Second Qualifying Round of the FA Vase, with home advantage over fellow First Division side Chadderton, over whom they had secured a league double of 3-1 victories last season.

No sooner had Saturday’s game kicked off than Town went a goal up. Keeper Dane Smith, who played a significant part in the outcome of the game, attempted a clearance, but his kick rebounded off Andy Gillespie’s shin and ended up in the back of the net.

Town’s domination looked complete within 12 minutes when Gillespie scored the second, breaking down the right and finishing coolly into the far corner of Smith’s net.

Chadderton scored the next four games, levelling and then pushing 4-2 ahead.

Phil Williams threw Town a lifeline on 84 minutes, bursting through and hitting a powerful drive which deflected off a Chadderton player and went in off a post, but with St. Helens thinking of the possibility of extra-time, their visitors from Oldham scored straight from the kick-off through James Tuohy, who made the final score 5-3.

Without the possibility of sponsors’ money this season – Town did not qualify for the FA Cup this time around – there are only the lower profile knock-out competitions left to play for.

The next few months are going to be difficult for Town as joint manager Alan Gillespie will be away on family business leaving Nick Matthews in sole charge of team matters and his first priority will be to restore the winning mentality, particularly in defence.

Next up is a home derby against Widnes at Prescot on Thursday night, followed by a trip to Daisy Hill on Saturday.