ST HELENS Town were so delighted with the experience of hosting TSV Uhlbach 1898 at the the Arcoframe Stadium on Saturday that a return visit to Germany is now being planned.

An equalising penalty to the visitors meant that the game ended all-square at 4-4, but it was about more than what happened on the pitch.

The encounter, arranged as part of the 70th anniversary of the twinning arrangement between the town of St Helens and city of Stuttgart, was part of the borough’s 150th anniversary celebrations.

And although the attendance was affected by the England World Cup game, it nevertheless allowed the club to showcase what it has to offer to the town’s sporting scene,

John McKiernan, who is still heavily involved in club matters despite stepping down as chairman, said: “It was a good day and lots of things fell into place and it went smoothly.

"When there are a lot different people involved at a lot of levels there is always potential for it to not work quite right, but we were very fortunate.

“It was a very good opportunity to showcase the new ground, demonstrate that we can organise an event that is a break from the norm and show people that there is another sport in town that we can get behind, with somewhere to enjoy sport on a Saturday afternoon or Thursday evening.

“There was a lot of political will to make sure it was successful. It was good to tie this in with the 70th anniversary of the twinning arrangement and the 150th anniversary of the borough.

“The programme placed a big emphasis on our connection with Bert Trautmann and Germany.

“A lot of the things he said about his affinity with St Helens meant that it was a nice occasion to welcome the official delegation, and the players and officials from Germany.

"That continued the work from 70 years ago when Bert arrived at the club."

As for the match itself Town went into a 3-0 lead and at one point it was looking like a mismatch.

But the visitors got a foothold in the game and a close game was drawn courtesy of a TSV penalty,

McKiernan added: "A 4-4 draw with some stunning goals from both sides was a very good result.

"It was an entertaining game and supporters and first time visitors enjoyed the occasion.

"That went on into the evening with the hospitality we provided at Ruskin.

"Ste Lingard, who did an amazing job in getting this off the ground, keeping it going and chirping in the right ears to make sure things happen, took them into Liverpool on Sunday and took them on a tour. Turned into a very good weekend.

"They headed home on Sunday with a plan and talk that we will make the return trip in the summer.

"We are confident that this could happen at the end of the season.

"The invitation has been put out."