Altrincham (Youth) 2 St Helens Town (Youth) 2

THE new St Helens Town Youth Team started their season in the Premier Division of the North West Youth Alliance with a hard fought draw at Altrincham.

Altrincham took the lead after a long through-ball sent the home striker clear on goal and he carefully slid the ball past James Short in the St Helens goal.

St Helens responded within 10 minutes when Short's long clearance was headed on by Mark Castley into the path of Ryan Edwards. Edwards burst into the area and delightfully lifted the ball over the Altrincham goalkeeper.

Altrincham finished the half the stronger and could have re-taken the lead on several occasions, firstly James Short saved well with his feet, after a mix up with the Town defenders.

Alty scored their second just before half time. Town were caught out at the back post following a deep cross, when the ball fell kindly to their attacker, he drilled an unstoppable shot past goalkeeper Short.

After half time Town dominated the first 10 minutes and created several chances to draw level. Mark Castley was allowed a free header eight yards out from goal following a Scott Priestley cross, but Castley's effort was just inches off target.

With ten minutes left, substitute Aaron McGuire sent Mark Castley clear with a clever through-ball. Castley lobbed the ball over the onrushing Altrincham goalkeeper to level the scores.

On Sunday St Helens Town Youth Team entertain Ashton Athletic Youth Team at Ruskin Drive, 2pm kick off.