Rainhill Villa invited us to their home today to compete in a friendly game. Both these teams share a lot of similarities, and we had battled out a brilliant game earlier in the season. On that occassion we won it 4-3, courtesy of a last minute screamer from Callum King. Today was a different ball game however, but the lads were in confident mood.

The team was set up to attack, with debutant Liam McGowan leading the line. Reece and Kyle would support from midfield, with Jack Pennington filling the Makalele role! The defence had a solid feel to it as well, with 'Player of the Year' Ryan Cottington, and 'Most Improved Player' Garry Geoghegan. And as if that wasn't solid enough, they had the best goalkeeper in the league behind them in Jack Richmond. The bench showed how much strength in depth we have in the squad now, with 3 very good players ready to come on and make an impact.

Rainhill kicked off, but soon found themselves on the back foot. Our Villa pressed hard and high up the pitch, keeping the opposition under constant pressure. We created so many chances, but couldn't quite take one of them. To be fair, Rainhill should take some credit because they defended well against the constant wave of attacks. Joseph Dixon thought he'd given us the lead half way through the first period as he pounced on a rebound from a good save, but the effort was ruled out as the ball hit his arm. Unlucky and unintentional, but a fair decision.

Then, just when you think you're on top... you're not! A rare Rainhill attack resulted in a mix up in our defence, and the home side took the lead. We hadn't had to defend much at all in the game so far, but Rainhill caught us cold. Not to worry though, because the boys got on with it and pressed even harder now. I'm happier with the attitude of the boys recently, because we always tell them not to let their heads drop and they're showing signs of just getting on with it and trying harder.

Chance after chance went begging, until Liam McGowan finally put us all at ease with a deserved goal. Good work by Smith put him in the clear and Liam finished well from close range. Villa continued to push, and almost took the lead 1 minute later. A cross/shot from Reece Corkish flashed across the goal and Liam pounced on the chance. The ball bounced off Liam, a Rainhill defender, the post, and rolled across the line! It was eventually cleared for a corner but Liam was positive it had crossed the line. The goal wasn't given, and half time was called at 1-1.

The second half was pretty much the same! Villa putting Rainhill under constant pressure, but without the goals they deserved. Rainhill again caught us cold on the break, but this time it wasn't a poor goal to concede. A fantastic finish from the boy who scored their first put them back in the lead. Speculative effort from a difficult angle, but fair play to the lad! Villa had to chase the game again, but their belief in playing their attacking football never waivered.

All 3 substitutes were in the game now, with Callum and Joel battling in midfield, and Joseph causing Rainhill some problems up front. It was Joseph who would get us back into the game as well! Kyle Smith was causing havoc all over the pitch, constantly driving from deep. He was even taking all the throw in's - and it was from one huge throw that he set up Joseph. The ball landed right at his feet in the box, and it was a foregone conclusion - GOAL! The boy simply doesn't miss those.

Unfortunately we were unable to grab a winner after that, but what a game. Very, very entertaining for all the spectators, and the boys seemed to enjoy it. I don't think either side deserved to lose it, so I think we should be pleased with the result. Well done boys - now let's take this form into the next tournament!

St.Helens Town Villa Starting Line-Up (2-3-1):

Jack Richmond; Garry Geoghegan, Ryan Cottington; Jack Pennington, Reece Corkish, Kyle Smith; Liam McGowan

Substitutes:

Callum King, Joel Whitehead, Joseph Dixon

Half time score: 1-1

Full time score: 2-2

Goalscorers: Liam McGowan, Joseph Dixon

Man of the Match: Liam McGowan - fantastic work rate, and grabbed his first goal for the club!

Special Mention(s): Joseph Dixon grabbed another goal to add to his collection, and Kyle Smith really worked hard to drive us forward constantly.