FC UNITED will hope to strengthen their grip at the top of the North West Counties League Division One table when they entertain lowly St Helens Town at Gigg Lane tonight.

The Rebels return to league action for the first time since suffering their first defeat of the season at the hands of rivals Salford City eight days ago which ended a run of 12 consecutive victories.

But Karl Marginson's side should have no problems against the struggling Merseysiders, although he could be without injured influential defenders Dave Chadwick and Rob Nugent, who will undergo late fitness tests.