St Helens Town 2-2 AFC Darwen.

IN the end Town had to settle for a point as he spirited visitors pushed the hosts till the final whistle when at one stage they appeared to be there for the taking.

Town missed several chances in a first half they controlled but Darwen too had their moments and in the 19th minute they took the lead when following a throw-in on the right, Adam Heaney stroked home at the far post.

Town responded and it needed a good save from Tweddle to deny Presho but after further half chances went begging, an incredible scramble saw Darwen survive as Town’s Diggle and Weaver couldn’t apply the final touch. Town’s Liam Dodd almost added to his three goals in three games tally when the ball found him 10 yards out but he was unable to get a clean connection and the ball was cleared.

The second half started with Town attacking the Pavillion end and they looked determined and Darwen ‘keeper Tweddle did very well to deny Robinson but it didn’t take long for Town’s overdue opener and it came on 50 minutes when Dodd rose to nod on a corner and Liam Diggle back headed home from eight yards.

By the half’s mid-point, Darwen had used all their substitutes and the introduction of Cooper, especially, started to liven the visitors up. Town ‘keeper Williams made a couple of good stops but the hosts responded well and Diggle put them ahead with a fierce drive after great work from Weaver. Within 11 minutes it was all square again when Pond rocketed into the top corner from 25 yards.

The closing stages became untidy and high balls became the norm but no further goals were scored. Town were to have Presho sent off for a second yellow card before Darwen had good chance but Williams saved well from Pond. Town had the last chance as Potter failed to hit the target when in a great position inside the box.

Town host league newcomers Cleator Moor Celtic on Saturday 25th August before travelling to Chadderton on Bank Holiday Monday 27th August, both games 3pm kick off.