ST HELENS Town negotiated this tricky encounter on the edge of the borough to win 6-3 and claim a much needed three points.

Within the first 10 minutes though Town found themselves two goals down against a Newton le Willows team who were tenacious from the start.

Manager Paul Piert made a double substitution on 30 minutes with Town talisman Liam Diggle and club captain Ian Roby entering the fray and instantly the tide changed.

Good work from Mike Newton and Ryan Cook down the left set Dale Whitehead up and the midfield maestro fired home to reduce the arrears.

Then three minutes later it was Luke Diggle who finished well from a tight angle after brother Liam had forced a fine safe from the Newton keeper.

It was 2-2 at half time with all to play for.

Town came out in the second half with a renewed vigour and it wasn't long before Liam Diggle powered home a header after impressive debutant Max Buckley-Benbow had crossed.

Whitehead then drove the ball home after a fine run with the ball and Town seemed to be cruising.

However, Newton pulled one back on the breakaway to make it 3 - 4 and lead to a tense last 10 minutes.

The travelling Town fans need not worry though as first Tom White finished from close range before MOM Liam Diggle bagged his second on the stroke of full time.

Town's next game is in the new year with a 3pm KO on 6 January at Ruskin versus Moore United.