ST HELENS Town were hoping to put last week's disappointing result against Manchester club Mersey Valley behind them.

Sandbach Town Ramblers had started the campaign poorly so Town and their loyal travelling supporters were forgivably feeling confident to grab the three away points on offer.

Football however is an unforgiving mistress, and one that cares little about plans for a nice day out in deepest Cheshire.

It ended with a 2-1 defeat.

Town started the stronger and it looked like it could be a long afternoon for the hosting Cheshire outfit. Town had the better chances and were finally rewarded on the 25th minute thanks to Tom Jackson.

It felt like a second from Town would finish the game off but Town wasted chance after chance.

If you can't finish your chances you're always at risk, and just before half-time Sandbach equalised after what seemed like a blatant foul on young Town keeper Kyle Rugg. The teams would go into the half-time break at 1-1.

The second-half carried on in a similar fashion but again Town could not convert their chances and eventually Sandbach punished them making it 2-1 to the hosts.

Town pushed for an equaliser but the gods had spoken and it felt like they'd never score even if the game had continued into the late evening.

The score finished 2-1 and Town were reminded of the size of the task that faces them.

Town head to Ince Rose Bridge Sports & Community Club, WN2 2DZ, to face Wigan Town on Saturday 23 September.