Late strike halts Saints’ hopes of victory march

Dec 1 2008 by Staff Copytaker, Liverpool Daily Post

JUST AS St Helens Town thought their fortunes in the Vodkat League were changing, they were dashed by an injury-time equaliser from Abbey Hey.

The home team had suffered only one defeat in their last six outings, but Saints raced into a two-goal advantage at the break through Mark Stevens and Grahame Mitchell.

Carl Maylott reduced the arrears but with Town closing in on their first victory in 11 games, Alex Monde-Leke scrambled home the equaliser.

Formby missed out by the odd goal in five against Congleton Town, Dave Thompson and Tony Dunning netting for the Squirrels who were always chasing the game.

Winsford United won for the first time in six games by defeating Runcorn Linnets 2-0, Darren Connell and Jacob Baptista finding the target.

Ashton Athletic were knocked for six at league leaders AFC Fylde, who now lead by five at the top of the table.

Bootle were involved in a hastily re-arranged league fixture after their First Division Trophy second round tie could not take place.

Andy Fowler gave the New Bucks Park side the lead on the half hour, but Chadderton levelled eight minutes later.

AFC Liverpool ended their recent slide in the First Division Trophy with a single goal success at Rochdale Town. Ian Sheridan netted on 82 minutes to push Liverpool into the last eight.

RESULTS: Premier Div: Abbey Hey 2 St Helens Town 2, AFC Fylde 6 Ashton Athletic 0, Alsager Town 1 Squires Gate 0, Atherton Collieries 4 Bacup Borough 3, Colne 2 New Mills 2, Flixton 1 Newcastle Town 1, Formby 2 Congleton Town 3, Glossop North End 2 Maine Road 2, Nelson 1 Ramsbottom United 3, Runcorn Linnets 0 Winsford United 2, Silsden AFC 3 Atherton LR 1. Div One: Chadderton 1 Bootle 1, Eccleshall 0 Daisy Hill 1. First Division Trophy second round: Cheadle Town 1 Holker Old Boys 2, Irlam 0 AFC Blackpool 1, Norton United 3 Wigan Robin Park 2, Padiham 2 Leek CSOB 0, Rochdale Town 0 AFC Liverpool 1.