THE introduction of substitute Marcus Perry early in the second half was the catalyst to a return to winning ways for St. Helens Town on Saturday, as they completed a league double over Chadderton, both games ending with the same 3-1 scoreline.

This was a first win in six league outings for Town who are now within reach of the play-off places in the NW Counties First Division.

Little has been going right for Town since late August and Saturday’s game looked to be another uphill struggle after Niall Sultan gave the Oldham outfit the lead in the 35th minute, with a looping header from the edge of the penalty box, which took everybody by surprise.

Up to that point, neither side had threatened to seize the initiative but once the goal went in, Chadderton gained in confidence, whilst St Helens looked very flat.

Town’s main problem this season has been their failure to field a settled side and, once again, they were forced into bringing in two debutants in the Under-18s team manager Ellis Hawksworth in goal and Under-21s midfield Callum Davies.

However, Hawksworth looked solid throughout and Davies looks to be an exciting prospect, running the show in the middle of the park. Adam Lawrence, playing only his second game at right back, was Warrington Motors Man-of-the-Match.

With confidence levels low, Town needed a boost and the introduction of Perry turned the game. With 65 minutes on the clock, he sprinted down the right wing and crossed for Andy Gillespie, but the captain could not connect with the ball.

However, all was not lost as Johann du Toit played the ball back in from the left and this time Gillespie buried the ball in Chadderton’s net for the leveller.

This was the striker’s eleventh goal in 12 outings this season, a record which earned him the First Division player of the month award for September.

Town took complete control of the game from this point on.

Declan Gregson was unlucky when he headed Lawrence’s cross on to the roof of the net a few minutes later, then St Helens took the lead on 74 minutes when Perry made another of his trademark bursts and he rounded Keith Melvin and keeper Matt Green to score a lovely goal, significant as it was Town’s 2200th in NW Counties League football.

With eight minutes remaining, Gregson beat the offside trap and ran clear before beating Green from close range to wrap up the points with the final goal, giving the score a rather comfortable feel at 3-1.

Town were due to face Widnes at home on Tuesday evening before travelling to new boys Stockport Town at Lambeth Grove on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) in what should prove an interesting battle, which may have significance as the battle for promotion begins to take shape.