St Helens Town 2

TOWN gained revenge for their November league defeat at Crilly Park with this hard fought 2-1 victory.

Town found themselves a goal down within the first minute when Atherton's Settle was tripped and leading scorer Paul Crompton made no mistake with the spot kick.

Town, playing down the Crilly Park slope dominated proceedings but the Atherton defence held firm with Wynne and McNair prominent.

McAllister went close for Town on 20 minutes but Lavin's finger tip save kept Atherton goal intact.

Rovers were fortunate on 23 minutes as Donelly's trip on Cunningham in the penalty area went unpunished and on 33 minutes Robinson's volley from 18 yards brought the best out of Lavin.

Lavin was fortunate to get away with a poor clearance whilst Cunningham and Robinson had shots blocked but despite Atherton failing to create any attempts on goal since the first minute, the lead 1-0 at half time.

Eight minutes into the second half Cunningham's angled ball found Summers whose shot was deflected over the stranded Lavin for Town's long overdue equaliser.

Rovers response was to bring on the pace of Obong, however Town's well marshalled offside trap kept Atherton's opportunities to a minimum however Dahl did have to save at the feet of Settle and blocked a point blank header from McNair in the home sides best spell on 75 minutes.

Liverpool

With just five minutes remaining Fairbrother's inswinging corner was headed home by Nolan at the far post to put Town into the quarter final and an away tie at rivals Skelmersdale United to be played on February 26.

Next Saturday February 5, Town are at home to Maine Road in a league game kick off 3pm. Towns long awaited Liverpool Senior Cup tie with Liverpool has been arranged for Wednesday, February 16 at Knowsley Road, kick off 7.30pm.