ST HELENS Town skipper Andy Webster celebrated 200 games for the club but despite an encouraging display by his team another defeat was the outcome.

Town fell 2-0 at home to Carlisle City in Hallmark Security League First Division North.

Attacking the Swinburne Road end, Town began brightly with Moffitt only inches away from connecting with a diving header before Greene’s low drive was well held by Ballantyne in the Carlisle goal.

By the 28th minute things had evened up and a good shot from Reynard needed a good save from Williams in the Town goal.

With Carlisle forcing corner kicks, the Town defence had to be alert but they went behind in unfortunate circumstances when Whelan’s attempted clearance sliced over his stranded 'keeper in the 34th minute.

The first half ended with both sides having decent efforts well saved but generally Town could be pleased with their showing despite being a goal down.

The second half saw the second placed Cumbrians step up a gear with Town working hard to repel them but the locals did come close on 65 minutes when a free kick crept through the melee only for Carlisle’s Slack to clear off the line.

This proved pivotal as a minute later Carlisle’s Shiel fired home off the post and Town’s task now doubled resulting in a quiet spell but they did finish with a flurry inspired by Greene but no consolation came and Carlisle were content with what they had.

Town travel to Daisy Hill on Saturday, kick off 3pm.