STEETON slumped to a third straight defeat in all competitions as they fell to a 2-0 loss at the hands of North West Counties Football League First Division North new boys FC St Helens.

Without a win since September 3 and looking to bounce back from the previous week’s penalty shootout heartbreak in the FA Vase, a first ever trip to Windleshaw presented an opportunity against a side below them in the table at kick-off.

However, a 90 minutes low on quality from both sides was settled by the home side taking advantage of the Chevrons’ defensive frailties, which left manager Roy Mason and his coaching staff unimpressed on the touchline.

The first half ledt Steeton heading into the dressing room relieved they were not further than a goal behind but also bewildered at how they were not level.

Inside the opening 20 minutes, Zack Sangster put an effort from range just wide for the visitors, with Andy Briggs furious after a penalty appeal was turned down when his standing leg was taken from under him inside the area.

A superb block by Jack Lynn only provided temporary relief for the away side, as their hosts found the opener shortly after.

Jack Graham cut down the wing for St Helens and whipped a cross into the area.

But neither of the three Steeton centre halves dealt with the threat and Jack Barker got himself free near to the penalty spot to fire home the opening goal of the contest.

Steeton failed to switch on from the restart and if Jack Ball had gotten his effort on target, the home side would have doubled their advantage within seconds.

St Helens kept pushing and a combination of goalkeeper James Catlow, the Steeton man of the match on the afternoon, and the offside flag came to their rescue.

But in the closing stages of the half, an audacious flick from Josh McKiernon sent Briggs through on goal but the Steeton skipper somehow managed to fire wide of the post with the goal at his mercy.

Yet, they were again fortunate to not concede a second as Barker didn’t get enough power on to a header from six yards out, allowing Catlow to make the save.

Briggs headed the ball into the net for Steeton in the 48th minute, however the offside flag prematurely ended any celebrations.

In need of a win themselves, St Helens began time-wasting early in the second half, but were still proving a threat on the counter attack.

If it were not for two sensational saves from Catlow between the sticks for the away side, the hosts would have been out of sight well before the game's dying minutes.

But their second goal came following a moment to forget for the Steeton defence, just after Briggs had been denied an equaliser by a superb last-ditch save.

A long ball appeared to be called for by Catlow, but Josh Walne did not hear him, and took the ball away from his stranded goalkeeper, allowing John Edgerton to finish into the open goal.

The Chevrons are in Edward Case Cup second round north action this Saturday at Nelson.

REPORT BY JOSH CHAPMAN