ST HELENS Town's promotion hopes took a heavy blow in this 2-1 defeat against a West Didsbury and Chorlton team who were a constant threat on the break.

The first half was very even with neither team fashioning any clearcut chances until Wests scored in first half injury time with a well taken volley.

The crowd of 116 hardly had time to return from their half time cup of tea when Wests made it 2-0 straight from the kick off as a defensive mix up allowed a second Wests goal on the break.

If it wasn't for Rugg, Town could have easily found themselves three goals down when he saved brilliantly when Wests threatened again.

Town then rallied and Town White's header from a Roby corner put Town back in the game at 2-1 down.

In fact, Town were almost immediately level when Kenny Dixon clipped the bar with header from another corner as Town threatened a comeback.

Chances came and went but as Town pushed forward Wests would rattle the woodwork one more time and in truth were well worth the three points.

Best for Town were Max Buckley Benbow and the tireless Charlie Simpson up front.

Town travel to Droylesden next Saturday to face another promotion hopeful in Stretford Paddock with a 2pm ko.