MOSS Lane hosted the much-awaited ADM Counties 1 derby clash between Liverpool St Helens and West Park in a hard fought game that narrowly went the way of the visitors 14-10.

The result keeps West Park unbeaten and on top of the league but it was a strong performance from the Laners.

All thoughts of a much-changed LSH team were set aside after the first ten minutes when the visitors, buoyed by a huge travelling support, attacked from the off, besieged the LSH line, and ended up scoreless.

Tackles flew in from everyone and an organised defence stood firm.

So much so that in LSH’s first attack, Matty Wood struck a 35-yard penalty between the posts to put LSH in front after 13 minutes.

In an even contest both sides matched each other for much of the rest of the half with the unbeaten league leaders drawing level in the 35th minute with a Ryan Littler penalty for a 3-3 scoreline at half time.

West Park edged ahead eight minutes into the second half with another Littler penalty before LSH began to enjoy a period of decent possession.

They were rewarded in the 59th minute with a short range try from the industrious Chris Hull, followed by a touchline conversion from Matty Wood to give them a 10-6 lead.

Sadly, this sparked some sort of reaction and a clash between the players before the game could be restarted.

Even more sadly, this was carried over into the very next contact, leading to what turned out to be the turning point in the game.

In the skirmish that followed, two LSH players received yellow cards.

With it being 13 against 15 Park used their numerical advantage and four minutes later Ben Houlton scored an unconverted try in the left-hand corner for the visitors to lead by one point.

However, this was a day when every LSH player had stood up to be counted.

None more so than Martin Kent and Tony Hudson both making significant contributions in the front row, and Craig Forster stepping up after a few 3rd XV appearances.

Full back Ben Quinn and Andy Worthington on the wing both made creditable debuts whilst everyone in an LSH shirt continued to give there all as they fought to regain the lead in last 15 minutes. They nearly did so in the 73rd minute but the referee ruled a pile up in the right-hand corner as held up.

Finally, however, a side with a 10 out of 10 playing record, away from home in a local derby had not come to Moss Lane to lose.

They did not. The Littler drop goal in the 80th minute made the win and their impressive record secure.

Next Saturday LSH are away to Aldwinians 2.15pm while West Park are at home to Broughton Park, kick off 2pm.

West Park have also progressed to the Lancashire Cup final which will be against Firwood Waterloo, date not yet finalised.