FC St Helens win the battle of the St Helens Derby
I was down watching the second instalment of "El Glassico", the St Helens derby, of the North Counties Prem this afternoon.
With both teams at other ends of the table, a FC win would of been a forgone conclusion, but like most derbies, form goes out the window and sometimes you have to grind out a win which is what this game turned out to be with FC St Helens winning narrowly 1-0.
With a packed crowd of 202 down at Ruskin Sports Village, the first half started like most local derbies, tough tackles, rushed passes and half chances. The only noticeable moment of the first 15 minutes was an early snap shot from Pilks' Beigan who let fly from outside of the box but was well saved by McClenaghan. Both teams continued to probe each other and half chances came to nothing from both teams until the 19th a counter attack from FC resulted in Barker beating the offside trap to bare down on goal. Unselfishly, laid a pass to the back post for Houghton who was steamrolling in to side foot past the keeper.
FC then had the bit between their teeth and continued to harry and press the Pilks' back line resulting in a good effort by Barker who dragged an effort wide. As Pilks' pressed for an equalizer, a few counter attacks sent Barker free but both times seen his efforts just go wide of the goal. Just before the half time whistle, Barker again had a shot which found its way to the back post again for Smith to tap home but a fantastic point blank save from Hilton kept it 1-0 at half time.
The second half started in the same fashion as the first with both teams nipping at each other and counter attacks a plenty. Garbutt was having some joy this half with flick ons and done an excellent job of bringing Pilks up the pitch to create chances. Pilks best chance falling on the hour mark with a great bit of play between Garbutt and Beigan resulting in the ball being played to Gilchrist whos faked shot opened up space to let fly, it was only a great block by the FC defense that stopped them drawing level. Two more chances fell to Beigan and Garbutt but some great saves kept FC their lead.
Nearly a comical goal came after FC's McClenghan didn't check his shoulder and placed the ball down for a kick out, Gilchrist sneaked up on him to rob him of the ball, but could only see his effort fall wide. Pilks made some changes and it was Davage who was doing great things on the left to create chances. One fell to him this time in the 80th min but it was on his weaker right foot and couldn't get any power on it. With Pilks again pushing forward, chances came on the counter for FC but with tired legs efforts where either well saved by Hilton of wide of either post.
Seven minutes where added on much to the disbelief of FC's staff but FC managed to hold on for the win to keep their play off hopes alive. Pilks still looking over their should at the relegation places but have a 5 point gap over Squires Gate with a game in hand also.
Both sets of fans should be happy with both teams performances and whilst a lack of goals might make it a dull game, the feistiness and panic of a derby game made this an enjoyable watch.
Pilkington 0 - 1 FC St Helens
Liam Houghton 19
Att: 202
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