Newcastle Blue Star 3 Warrington Town 1

AN understrength Town side were beaten 3-1 by promotion-chasing Newcastle Blue Star on Saturday.

Town began brightly in very windy conditions, looking to get at their hosts despite missing key defenders Anthony Kielty and Michael Stewart.

But they were rocked in the 11th minute when free-scoring striker Paul Brayson was given time and space to beat a statuesque Richie Mottram from 25 yards.

Playing the better football and having most of the game, Warrington enjoyed their share of the chances, with Mike Grogan and Jimmy McCarthy going close.

But Blue Star were dangerous on the counter attack and striker David Southern heading a good chance over the bar.

Town's rearguard was depleted once more soon after, when central defender Paul Bowes fell badly under a challenge and had to be replaced.

Within a minute, Town won themselves a penalty when striker Tom Lamb was felled by central defender Michael Tait and Chris Gahgan stepped up to score his second spot kick in four days.

Shortly before half time, the home side could have gone ahead but defender Tom Hardwick was on hand to clear the ball off the line.

Town began the second half well but Mottram was the first keeper in action, making an excellent diving save to deny Brayson.

Then Blue Star went ahead against the run of play when substitute Jonathon Webb was on hand to beat Mottram at the third attempt.

The visitors went close to equalising soon after when Lamb's curling effort was saved by home keeper Jack Norton.

Town went further behind on 78 minutes when substitute Alex Benjamin got the final touch to a cross-cum-shot.

With nine minutes to go, Blue Star were reduced to 10 men when Tait received a second yellow card for kicking the ball at a prostrate McCarthy following a challenge.

Town pushed forward looking for goals and Rob Dutton was unlucky to see his effort cleared off the line by Webb.

Town: Mottram, Dutton, Hardwick, Bowes (Smith 38), Thornton, Grogan, Hadland, O'Donnell, Lamb (Chetcuti 77), McCarthy, Gahgan. Sub not used: Daniels.