A BELOW par performance from Town saw them lose for the first time in six games. After a breezy start to the game, Rainhill came close on several occasions,but it was not until the 10th minute that they had their best chance to take the lead with an award of a penalty.

Unfortunately for Town, the home goalkeeper brought off an excellent save.

The teams went into half-time all-square, but soon after the restart the visitors eventually took the lead through Chris Davidson.

This should have been the incentive to control the game. Instead the home team came right back in game and deservedly went in front with two quick goals from Gary O'Toole.

Despite late chances, Town never looked like forcing the draw.

Meanwhile the Reserves had a game to forget as they went down to basement club Ellesmere Port. Mark Ellis scored a brace but Town went down 3-2.

The 3rds trounced Knowsley South Reserves 5-1 and the 4ths came out 3-1 winners against Moorfield Reserves.

Next week's games: 1st team away to Helsby; Reserves home to Helsby Reserves in the West Cheshire League Shield; 3rds away to Pex Hill and the 4ths home to Mattiola.