FC St Helens slipped to a 1-0 home defeat in a cagey contest with Barnoldswick Town at SMS Pro Soccer Park.

The encounter produced a lively start, with both outfits getting to grips with each other.

Oliver Roberts’ snapshot from distance looked destined for goal, but the inspired Joe Mason in the FC St Helens goal produced an equally impressive save.

That was swiftly followed by another opportunity for the away side — but Will Procter’s curling attempt veered wide, after he displayed some neat footwork.

With that, Barnoldswick Town were gradually marking their territory and authority — but Michael Smith’s hosts were performing their defensive duties to maximum effect and efficiency.

However, having failed to produce the desired response, The Stripes succumbed to the pressure and application of the away side.

Ryan Moore saw his wayward strike fortuitously deflect into the path of Gareth Hill, who duly obliged in dispatching an unmissable header.

The visitors continued to look the more dominant force and pursued a lead-extender, with momentum on their side and in abundance.

With Jenson Butterworth’s tempting and inviting delivery begging to be tapped in, Procter was unable to connect.

The Stripes were in dire need of a response and greater urgency, but if anyone was to find the back of the net — it looked like it would be Barnoldswick.

Having raced out of the blocks, with intentions of picking up from where they left off after the interval, they saw some neat link-up play culminate in Mason producing another stellar stop from point-blank range.

That wasn’t be the last time that the FC St Helens goalkeeper was called into action.

Doing his utmost to keep his side in the contest, he produced another fine stop to spread himself and divert Lewis Farmer’s low drive wide.

The home side continued to live dangerously and rode their luck furthermore — seeing a free-kick crash off Mason’s crossbar.

That proved to be the wake-up call that they required, but, with Barnoldswick defending resolutely and resiliently, they found the prospect of breaching their backline to be particularly difficult.

Ethan Van-Aston’s low free-kick forced an intelligent save, before CJ Spiers fired wide, having met Josh Hall’s cross.

And Hall was in the thick of the action, again, as a meeting looked to become heated.

Having offered a hand of apology, following a late challenge on Jack Gooden, the FC St Helens’ frontman was on the receiving end of an abrupt and aggressive reaction that the Barnoldswick defender may feel fortunate to have only seen yellow for.

With time running out, the hosts threw caution to the wind but the last significant moment of the match saw Niall Moran’s header go narrowly over.