A CROWD of just more than 300 at Profiles Park saw hosts Ashton Town take on St Helens Town for this festive fixture.

After a strong start to the game it was St Helens who deservedly took the lead after just nine minutes, good work down the left by David Thompson who crossed it into the box for the prolific Jamie Apperley to tap home from a few yards out.

Ashton deservedly levelled after 29 mins as Tyler McGee rounded the keeper and slotted home to level up proceedings. Two minutes later Ashton found themselves ahead after a hopeful ball from Jack Richards just in the Town half found the back of the net after what looked to be a comfortable catch for Town keeper Phillip Thompson was misjudged and parried it into the goal.

St Helens could have equalised right at the end of the first half only for Ashton’s keeper Jack Cookson making a fantastic double save.

The second half saw a well fought battle between the two North West Counties teams with both keepers making big saves to keep the score at 2-1.

Dale Korie-Butler had a huge opportunity in the 94th minute to grab a last minute equaliser which was again thwarted by the impressive Jack Cookson. Much to the frustration behind the goal of the travelling 30 or so loyal St Helens Town fans

Town’s next game is at Ruskin Drive against Cleator Moor Celtic, Saturday, 8 Jan, 3pm kick off.