ST HELENS coach Mick Potter praised his side’s professionalism after they kept bottom club Celtic Crusaders scoreless in their 30-0 victory at Knowsley Road.

Saints produced a first-half masterclass with four tries to dispatch the struggling Welshmen and move a step closer towards finishing top of the engage Super League for the fifth successive year.

Celtic, who were missing several first-choice players through injury but lacked nothing in spirit, began brightly but they had no answer to their hosts’ class.

Leon Pryce was pivotal in the opening two scores, created for Lee Gilmour and Paul Wellens, before hulking prop Tony Puletua stepped off the bench to add a third shortly before the half-hour mark.

Matt Gidley crossed in the right corner shortly before the interval hooter and Sean Long converted all four scores to put his side 24-0 up.

Rookie centre Chris Dean added a fifth with six minutes remaining but Celtic emerged with much credit after reducing Saints to a largely frustrating second half.

“It wasn’t the best of spectacles,” said Potter. “They didn’t get any tries and probably weren’t looking for them. I think they were just looking to get through.”