ST Helens Town finally opened their new Ruskin Drive football ground on Saturday with a pre-season friendly against fellow Hallmark Security Football League member club Congleton Town.

The game which attracted a healthy crowd approaching 100 spectators.

There were one or two teething problems, perhaps only to be expected, as the new changing block has yet to be completed and the pay-box and refreshment kiosk have yet to arrive.

The players had to change in existing facilities elsewhere on the site.

But once the ground had been vacated by the earlier game between Pilkington Reserves and Rainhill United, the warm-ups could take place and the historic kick-off took place at 3pm, nearly seven years after the last Town home game in the borough, an FA Cup clash against Glossop North End at Knowsley Road in August 2010.

Town raced into an early lead, captain and leading scorer Andy Gillespie netting after 15 minutes but at this early stage of the season, with fitness and sharpness at a premium, other chances went begging and Congleton equalised shortly afterwards, so a 1-1 scoreline was just about right at the interval.

Congleton, with two run-outs already under their belts, put that match fitness to good use in the second half and two late strikes gave them a 3-1 win.

There are still some programmes available from the Congleton game, price £2, available from the club or through its website, sthelenstownafc.com St Helens Town are at home again tonight (Thursday), kick-off 7.45pm, when visitors to Ruskin Drive are Bootle.

And then on Saturday, Town will take part in a four-team tournament at Prescot Cables’ Eaton Street ground beginning at 12 noon.

Apart from Town and Cables, other entrants are City of Liverpool FC and Rainhill United. The format will be two semi-finals of 30 minutes each way, followed by a final.

The following Thursday, Town are at home again to Maine Road (7.45) and then on Saturday, 29 July, they take on Burscough at Ruskin Drive with a 12.30pm kick-off.