THIS was an entertaining encounter which saw Liverpool St Helens in front for most of the game until headed with just six minutes to go. By then the momentum was wholly with the home side who ran out winners by a narrow two points.

A breakdown of the scores tells the story of the game with LSH registering four tries to the two scored by New Brighton who also added three successful penalties from the fifteen gifted to them during the game.

Crucially when trailing 23-24 with six minutes to go, New Brighton’s winning score came from a penalty.

New Brighton scored a converted try in their first attack, before LSH hit back shortly with a series of drives leading to young Alex McBride crashing over for their opening score.

Five minutes later in the 12th minute LSH took the lead when McBride and Alec Kean neatly combined to give Kean a run through try which he then converted.

Although LSH were making the running they were pegged back by a New Brighton penalty, before Kean scored a second try after LSH had seized on a bouncing ball and moved it quickly to enable the score.

The home side reduced the arrears once again with a penalty, just before the break to make it 13-17.

LSH started the second half brightly, turning a New Brighton scrum close to the home side’s try line and the sprightly Darren Wilson darting over under the posts, converted by Kean.

Thereafter LSH’s efforts were beset with problems in the lineout just as New Brighton seemed to get their second wind. A penalty after 54 minutes made it 16-22 and a short range try in the 67th minute, converted, brought New Brighton to within one point at 23-24.

Almost inevitably, now in the ascendancy, the home side took full advantage of their chance to win the game when it came, a penalty to make it 26-24. LSH take took two bonus points back to Moss Lane, a small reward for all their undoubted efforts.

LSH have no game this week before the home game against Sefton on 4 March. Kick off 3pm.