TOWN hammered six goals past Cheadle Town on Saturday as they continued their impressive pre-season build up.

In another outstanding display for Joe Paladino's rejuvenated side, the former Liverpool, Raith Rovers and England Schoolboys international Mark Peers bagged a brace of goals as did Joe Gibiliru jnr.

Michael Brandon also found the back of the net and Paul Cliffe converted a free-kick from outside the box as Town eased their way past the mid-table North West Counties second division outfit.

Delighted manager Paladino said: "It was a baking hot day, but the lads kept running and working for each other. I was really proud of the lads' effort and a lot of that was down to fitness."

With a productive pre-season under their belts, the real business starts this Saturday with the visit to Alsager for the start of the North West Counties League season.

Paladino added: "Alsager are a top seven side and they are always up and about the top end.

"But we are going there to do a job and don't intend to lose. We will start the game playing positively with three at the back, but if we get a goal or two we will shut up shop

"We have assembled a good side with a top keeper in Paul Dahl. He had a big part in Prescot Cables' rise in fortune and we are pleased to have him on board here."

Town will be looking for a winning start - they face a busy schedule of six games in a fortnight.

The new leadership at the helm are confident the club can make a mark this season and establish themselves as a key part of the town's sporting set-up.

"St Helens is a big town of 180,000 people, not all of them want to watch Saints. The town is full of Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United fans, we need a senior football side. If you look at it on paper we are only four leagues away from the football league," Paladino said.

Town's first home game of the season is against Formby on Tuesday, August 17. Kick off at Knowsley Road is 7.45pm.