Top-half target spurs on Saints

WEST LANCS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION HAS ST MARY’S .............. 3 SOUTHPORT HESKETH . 1 STEVE BAYES

HASLINGDEN St Mary’s penultimate game of the season saw Southport Hesketh visit South Shore Street. A great all-round team performance brought a hard fought 3-1 victory which kept St Mary’s quest to finish in the top half of the table on track with one game to go.

A first half went by devoid of chances for either side with both keepers not having to make a meaningful save. But right on half time a Jordan Hilton corner was met by a Lewis Hanley header that brought a finger tip save from the Southport keeper.

The second half was brought to life on 58 minutes when Tom Hulme picked the ball up 25 yards from goal, he went passed 4 defenders before firing a shot into the corner of the net for a brilliant solo goal.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Captain Mickey Saunders robbed a defender. The ball bounced up and his overhead kick found John Ollett with his back to goal who turned and fired into the corner.

Southport Hesketh pushed forward and on 65 minutes the St Mary’s defence was breached as they reduced the arrears.

On 74 minutes St Mary’s keeper Callum Dwyer pulled off an unbelievable save from close range with defender Dave Snape completing the clearance from under the bar.

And with the match entering injury time and Southport pushing forward, St Mary’s got the ball back and got the ball to Mickey Saunders who drew the defender and then played in Jamie Hart to fire under the keeper to seal the victory.

The three points keeps St Mary’s in ninth place ahead of tonight’s (Thursday) game at home to Coppull United.