AFTER the 9-0 humiliation by AFC Liverpool three days earlier, St Helens Town set about restoring their pride with a solid performance against league leaders and promotion favourites Runcorn Linnets at Brocstedes Park on Tuesday which, with a little more luck, might have earned a draw.

Before their biggest crowd since the Knowsley Road days, Town found themselves without the influential Karl Bergqvist due to injury, but the defence was bolstered by new signings Ryan Duffy, from Rylands, and Gareth Grant, from Runcorn Town, and neither player let the side down.

Paul Cook-Hannah returned up front and had a fine game against the big Linnets centre-backs. James Rushton-Woods returned to his best form and Marcus Perry and Andy Gillespie provided plenty of pace down the wings.

Hamish Falconer was commanding in the heart of the defence and Rory Crowther put the AFC Liverpool nightmare behind him and dealt with all Runcorn could throw at him, with the sole exception of the winning goal, which had an element of good fortune about it.

Gillespie had a few half chances, as did Rushton-Woods, but their luck ran out just after half-time. A hopeful punt upfield just eluded Falconer’s leap and found Mark Haughton, who steered the ball just out of Crowther’s reach into the net.

The goal was scarcely deserved, coming against the run of play, but Town did not surrender and it was only an inspired display from Runcorn goalkeeper Richard Mottram that kept out further shots from Gillespie, Rushton-Woods and substitute Chad Whyte.

Saturday’s trip to Winsford ended with a 3-0 defeat with Danny McDonnell scoring from a failed St Helens clearance.

The second half was another forgettable contest, with defences very much on top. Town’s only chance of the second half was a shot from 25 yards from Marcus Perry, which was saved comfortably by goalkeeper Andy Jones .

And as time wore on and Town tried desperately to rescue a point, Winsford broke twice in the last five minutes to score late goals through Harry Noon and Danny Egan, to wrap up a 3-0 win for the Cheshire side, which enabled them to swap places with St Helens in the table.

Town’s next game is at home to West Didsbury & Chorlton on Saturday and they open their Liverpool Senior Cup campaign with a trip to Burscough on Tuesday in a first round tie.