FC St Helens ran out 3-1 victors after a battling display in the elements, writes Liam Grice.

A goal from usual suspect Joe Barker, a header from Tommy Scarborough and a flicked on header from striker Josh Hall, saw the Stripes secure their fifth win in a row.

It was Mike Smith’s men who started the quicker in the first half as centre-half Zak Riley somehow found himself on the right-wing, he whipped in a dangerous ball into the box but Barker couldn’t connect cleanly and headed just over. Moments later it was Steve Ashton’s turn to deliver a ball in from the same position, but goal-scorer Barker was unable to convert again.

Ashton then found themselves in behind and striker Jack Smith thought he had put the hosts ahead, only for it to be ruled out for offside. A flurry of close offside decisions followed as Ashton continued to pile on the pressure, but FC held firm.

After a period of relative calmness the game descended into a bit of a grudge match, with challenges flying in from all over. Tensions boiled over after a decision went against FC and centre-half Nathan Carnell was sent to the sin-bin after the referee deemed his conduct to be too extreme.

It was then Joe Mason’s turn to shine in the spotlight after Yellow’s captain Joshua Nicholson beat the Stripes offside trap, but Mason was equal to him saving brilliantly down to his right hand side with his feet.

Despite a plethora of chances for both sides, the first half somehow ended 0-0.

The second half started much slower compared to the first, with the elements worsening both teams struggled to adapt to the changing conditions. Mason was yet again called upon and saved brilliantly once again this time down to his left to tip the ball behind for a corner.

On the 66th minute FC finally broke the deadlock, substitute Thomas Scarborough’s looping header beat the Ashton ‘keeper and floated into the top left hand corner. The Stripes lead didn’t last long however as after a scramble in the box the referee blew for a handball, a decision that brought much controversy amongst the FC ranks. Deklan Hill stepped up for the hosts and powered the ball into the net past Mason.

Not to be beaten down, The Stripes were right back onto it, Joe Barker was played in behind and did what he does best, beating James Aspinall to slot the ball home and restore the lead.

As the game came to a close FC were awarded a free-kick just inside the Ashton half, full-back Jack Ball stepped up to whip the ball in, but his powerful free-kick floated all the way into the back of the net. The dubious goal panel will have to look at the goal closely however as Josh Hall continues to claim he got the final touch.

Those three second half goals were enough for the league leaders to hold on for the win, and cap of a performance that they can be proud of in difficult conditions.