ST HELENS Town can enter a challenging period feeling buoyed by recent performances.

Facing a scrap among the bottom six clubs in the second half of their homecoming Hallmark Security League Division One season, a point achieved against promotion-chasing Alsager at Ruskin Drive on Saturday was welcome.

Had they not conceded deep into injury time though, they could have been celebrating successive notable scalps.

That’s because Saturday’s point added to a 3-2 victory over another top-eight outfit in Sandbach United, which leaves Lee Jenkinson’s side fourth from bottom – two points clear of the relegation places.

But now they face three more tests against high-flying sides in quick succession – all away from home.

A return clash with Sandbach United arrives on Saturday, kick off 3pm, followed by a trip to Prestwich Heys on Tuesday, 7.45pm, and then a visit to the seaside to tackle AFC Blackpool on Saturday week.

Sandbach are currently eighth, Prestwich third and Blackpool sixth.

Having beaten Sandbach just before Christmas, Town will be looking forward with keen anticipation to Saturday’s fresh challenge and getting an important sequence off to the best possible start.

In their current form, Jenkinson’s players will be relishing the opportunities that lie ahead in the coming weeks.