ST HELENS Town defeated Sandbach Town with a dominant 3-1 win at a sun-drenched PSD Rentals stadium, Ruskin in front of a crowd of 112.

Town, on the front foot from the kick off were almost 1-0 up within three minutes when Simpson broke clear and was pulled down by Sandbach keeper Birkenhead to earn a penalty.

Birkenhead redeemed himself however with a tremendous save from Leech's penalty.

Town would have further chances with Leech, Simpson and Cook all going close and Gibson and Simpson striking the woodwork.

It was a frustrating opening 30 minutes for Town until Ryan Cook got on the end of a sublime Alex Petterson cross with a well executed header to finally put Town 1-0 up and settle the crowds nerves.

On to the second half and Marc Gibson's early left foot strike after a Pacey Garrett through ball put Town 2-0 up and Gibson top of the league goal-scoring charts with five goals in six games.

Garrett would then have a second assist as he laid on the third for Charlie Leech.

Sandbach pulled one back after Zadeh's looping volley momentarily silenced the Town faithful but they were singing at full time as the Saints in blue went marching back to the top of the table.

Player of the match was Town's centre back Chris Foster and Town's next home game at the PSD Rentals stadium at Ruskin is on Saturday 14 September versus Maine Road with a 3pm kick off.