Third time lucky for Helsby in their encounters against Newton this season, this match producing a 2-1 victory after defeats in the reverse league fixture and Bill Weight semi final earlier this term.

Helsby had a chance to open their account within the first five minutes, a cross from the right finding Gary Lunt whose shot was straight at the keeper. It was clear that the sides were evenly matched after the early exchanges, and Andy Stringer did well to save with his legs when Newton carved open the Helsby defence. The game ebbed and flowed, Adam Pepera and Iddy Kamara going close for Helsby at the Factory End. Just before the break the visitors took the lead, a neat move down the left giving their striker the opening to head past Stringer from close range.

Helsby moved up a gear after the interval, and drew level when Lunt finished smartly from 8 yards out. The game could have gone either way, but it was Helsby who struck the decisive blow with 20 minutes remaining when Kev Patterson powered home a header from a corner to give Helsby a hard-earned 3 points.