ST HELENS Town’s first ever encounter with Keighley based Steeton provided a ten goal bonanza for a sun drenched crowd at the Arcoframe Stadium. Unfortunately what proved decisive was the first seven minutes by which time Town were two down and given that the final margin ended as two goals, Town were left rueing their sloppy start.

Richardson and Briggs got the visitors on their way before Town settled into a good spell resulting in Matty Smith turning home Neil Weaver’s low cross.

Danny Greene was also instrumental for the St Helens cause and they looked to be threatening an equaliser but still looked vulnerable defensively and were grateful to the post as Brigg’s lob left ‘keeper Williams stranded.

As half time approached, the sting was taken out of the St Helens push with two goals on the break close to the interval with Jeffrey and Briggs the scorers.

It seemed everything Steeton hit went in and a fine volley from Richardson made it five but instead of curling up, Town despite going six-one down rallied very well.

On 69 minutes Weaver headed home Greene’s deep cross after Charlton had netted for the visitors and recovery looked to be on the cards after Liam Diggle scored a superb third for Town before Cain smashed in a forth on 84 minutes.

Visiting ‘keeper Stevens-Neal also made a number of fine saves with Diggle being denied twice in one-on-one situations while Smith was unlucky when his deflected effort saw the home stopper recover very well to stop another Town goal.

It proved to be a bizarre day on which Town at least salvaged some pride but paid the price for a dreadful start.

Cheadle Heath Nomads on Saturday, 6 October in the First Division Cup, ko 3pm