ST HELENS Town came away from Openshaw with the frustration of knowing they had probably done enough to take a point from fellow promotion hopefuls Stretford Paddock before conceding a late goal from a set piece, to lose 1-0.

A goalless first half saw Dale Whitehead constantly trouble Paddock on the left hand side and the tenacious Liam Diggle going close with an excellent strike from the edge of the box.

Town rarely looked troubled at the back in fairness and the stand in Management team of Styles and Scott were pleased with the first half effort.

Paddock upped the tempo in the second half and keeper Kyle Rugg pulled off two early excellent saves to keep them at bay but it was not all one way traffic.

Charlie Simpson's work rate almost paid dividends for the Blues in the 60th minute when he chased a Diggle flick on, however the youngster fired over the bar.

Then frustratingly for on the 79th minute the deadlock was broken as Paddock full back Omar Sinclair scored with a free kick from the edge of the box that dipped over the wall.

The Blues rallied and would go close with a couple of late chances when both Diggle and then Buckley Benbow flashed the goal across the Paddock goal, but unfortunately no-one was there to get on the end of either cross.

Jamm Studios Player of the Match Tom White was deployed as an extra forward for the closing stages having been rock solid at the back but Town could not capitalise as Paddock held on for 3 points.