A crowd of 135 saw Town defeat Warrington Rylands Development 3-1 at PSD Rentals Stadium, Ruskin.

With several players missing it was an opportunity for others to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

Manager Paul Piert selected three debutants for Town and Luke Diggle as captain in the absence of his brother Liam.

The largest crowd of the season so far would not have to wait long for Town to get off the mark, when Charlie Simpson volleyed home a bouncing ball to put Town 1-0 up.

Town were in control and Dale Whitehead in midfield was at the wheel. The holding midfield role saw Whitehead moving players around like chess pieces.

He was suitably supported by two youngsters in midfield, James Jones and Ellis Morris who settled in to the team well on his debut for Town.

On 32 minutes it was Jones with a beautiful left footed pass who set Wetton free.

An interchange of passes saw Simpson's shot saved and Wetton fire home the rebound.

2-0 to Town. Town were on top but Will White in goal for Town would be called upon to save a McHugh effort late in the first half.

The second half began with the young Rylands team showing a style of football that belied their league position and Town needed to remain vigilant but the home side were still creating chances with James Jones going close twice from distance.

Then on 75 minutes, Ethan Wetton put the game beyond doubt with an exquisite strike from the edge of the box for his second goal to put Town 3 0 up.

Paul Piert brought on Jake Lynan for a debut on the right and the youngster showed good promise for the future to highlight the strength in depth available at Town this season.

Reuben McHugh who had been a thorn in Town's side all afternoon scored a late consolation goal for Rylands but Town took the three points and remain top of the league despite pressure from Mersey Valley who won a big game against Lymm.

As Town fans left Ruskin many were discussing the superb strike by Wetton that was up there with any goal scored by Town this season.

He was again unlucky not to take home the player of the match award but Dale Whitehead's performance was such that the midfielder was given the St Helens Mobile Food Pantry award.

Town have a week off next weekend with a return to action away at Lymm on 30 November.