ST HELENS Town’s bid to avoid the drop took another blow when they were beaten 4-0 at FA Vase finalists Glossop North End on Thursday.

The North West Counties League Premier Division relegation battle will go down to the final two games following Town’s defeat at Surrey Street.

Two goals inside 60 seconds gave Glossop a lead they never looked likely to lose.

They went ahead after a daisy-cutter across the goal-line was deflected into his own net by unfortunate Town goalkeeper Rory Crowther.

Their second goal was headed in by Sam Freakes.

Dave Young gave Glossop a 3-0 lead on 32 minutes.

Once again Crowther performed heroics, blocking a series of shots in the build-up.

He complained of being impeded as he tried to gather the ball from a corner, although the goal was allowed to stand.

A young Town side, cobbled together at short notice following a hasty rearrangement of the game, did well to reach half time without conceding another.

They turned in a fantastic defensive display in the second half, only conceding a fourth goal nine minutes from time to substitute Sam Hind.

While Glossop could celebrate a milestone victory on their march to promotion, Town were left to concentrate on their final two matches, both at home, to Maine Road on Saturday and Silsden next Tuesday.

They kick off this weekend inside the drop zone, five points adrift of a position of safety following Barnoldswick Town’s 3-2 win at Bootle on Tuesday.

Barlick visit Runcorn Town this weekend.

Fourth-bottom AFC Blackpool, who won at Winsford on Saturday, only need a draw from their remaining games to put themselves out of Town’s reach.

Meanwhile back-markers Bacup are four points behind St Helens, but with four games in hand.

They were scheduled to host Alsager last night, Wednesday, before Winsford visit on Saturday.

Town must now win both remaining games to have a chance of avoiding a first relegation in 59 years.

But if Barnoldswick avoid defeat at the weekend, even that won’t be enough.