Into Round 2 and another home draw, this time against Guisborough Town from Cleveland, members of the Northern League Second Division. The visitors had been to Wembley as losing Vase finalists in 1980 but, on a very windy day, it was St. Helens Town who took the initiative, hitting the bar twice before Phil Layhe scored just before half-time, latching on to Marty Cummins’ long ball before beating the ‘keeper from close range The second half was a tight affair, with the home team standing firm in a marvellous defensive performance, the only danger coming a few minutes before the end when Tony Williams had to clear off the goal-line.

Town’s team was: Andy Johnston; Paul Benson, Tony Williams, Barry Lowe and John Bendon; Marty Cummins, Tommy O’Neil, Jimmy Collins and Brian Rigby; Jay McComb and Phil Layhe Subs: John Deakin and Dave Collins. Scorer: Layhe.

Another round and, remarkably, a fifth consecutive home draw, Wythenshawe Amateurs from the Manchester League arriving at Hoghton Road on 13th December. On a very cold day, on a very muddy pitch, with heavy rain and sleet much in evidence, Town got off to the worst possible start, going one down after just seven minutes. However, better late than never, Jay McComb equalised from a Jimmy Collins corner 9 minutes later and Town were on their way. On 22 minutes, Tony Williams put the home side ahead with a spectacular volley and soon after half-time Jimmy Collins wrapped up the game at 4-1 with a brace of goals, his second from the penalty spot.

Town fielded a near unchanged team, Stu Humphries taking over from Dave Collins on the bench. Scorers: Collins (J) 2, McComb, Williams.

For Round 6, Town were called upon to travel away for the first time, making the long journey to Cambridgeshire to take on Wisbech Town of the Eastern Counties League at their Fenland Park ground. The home team were confident of success, having been beaten semi-finalists in each of the two previous campaigns, losing to Halesowen after a replay in 1985 and Southall in 1986.

Tony Williams was unavailable, having gone under the surgeon’s knife for a cartilage operation and Paul Wilson took his place. Following the lengthy journey, delayed a week by heavy snow, St. Helens produced a tremendous defensive display to keep the scoresheet blank in the first half but Phil Layhe netted twice in the 67th and 90th minutes to steer Town to a 5th round slot.

Manager Alan Wellens brought in full-back Paul Wilson for his FA Vase debut, replacing Tony Williams but the rest of the team was unchanged, with Brian Griffiths taking over from Humphries on the bench. Scorer: Layhe 2.

Glyn Jones