ST HELENS Town returned to the PSD Rentals Stadium at Ruskin for the first time in a month for a top of the table, 2 v 3 clash against Hartford FC at kick off time and emerged 3-1 victors.
The two teams had played at Hartford in September in a tight game that had seen Ryan Cook grab an injury time winner for Town.
This affair was much more open and although early chances were hard to come by both teams were looking to play expansively.
Unfortunately for Town, classy playmaker Marc Gibson was lost to injury on 20 minutes and his energetic impact on Town in the opening months of the season has been a massive part of Town's unbeaten start.
Town now face a nervous wait to see how long he will spend on the sidelines.
Paul Piert brought on new signing Will Clapham to make his debut and Town fans in the crowd of 122 would not have to wait long to see an impact from the talented youngster Charlie Leech cut inside on 29 minutes and his curling effort could only be parried by Hartford keeper Cox.
As the ball rebounded out towards the penalty spot, Clapham finished calmly to put Town 1-0 up and it would remain that way until half time came and the crowd were able to watch an exhibition game involving Penlake Juniors Rangers team.
The second half began with Town's major threat again being Charlie Leech.
Leech, now operating on the right hand side was causing havoc for Hartford and his inch perfect cross on 50 minutes was met by Clapham to grab his second of the match.
Captain and talisman Liam Diggle would grab a third on 60 minutes and Town seemed to be cruising although a Hartford free kick on 65 minutes which was turned into his own net by Max Buckley Benbow would give the home side some food for thought.
Hartford were buoyed by this and Lewis Jenkinson would have a big save to make minutes later to keep the opposition from getting right back into the game.
Town were in control for major periods though and this was typified by Dale Whitehead's second half performance in a deep lying midfield roll.
His game management has been vital for Town at times this season.
It was Will Clapham though who was awarded the player of the match award as Town returned to the top of the league with Mersey Valley having lost 3-1 at Newton.
The exciting attacker looked comfortable on the ball throughout and his brace of goals in an impressive debut had Town fans excited about his future in a blue shirt.
Town face a tough encounter next week in the Liverpool county cup away to River FC with an early kick off.
The next home game is scheduled for 16 November versus Rylands Development with a 3pm kick off at PSD Rentals Stadium, Ruskin.
Entry is free courtesy of MCR Building Services.
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