It’s going to be wicked for the Saints

By John Lyons

ARENA: St Helens Town will get to play at the Totally Wicked Stadium

ST HELENS Town AFC co-owner Gav Scott says the club’s players are “buzzing” to have the chance to play at the rugby league club’s 18,000 stadium home.

As part of Saints and England star Mark Percival’s testimonial year, the St Helens Festival of Football has been pencilled in for Friday evening at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook’s St Helens Town XI will take on Matty Smith’s Saints XI in an exhibition match, but before that St Helens Town will take on Wigan Town in a Cheshire League Division Two match.

“What an opportunity for the lads who have been working hard all season,” said Town joint-owner Scott. “They are buzzing – and the numbers are going up at training!

“Hopefully there will be a couple of thousand people there on the night. Playing against Wigan Town is a fitting fixture. Saints always want to beat Wigan, whether it’s at Subbuteo, football or rugby!

“We beat them 7-0 a few weeks ago. We were good on the day and everything we hit went in, but I’m sure they will be more competitive and want to put on a good performance.”

Percival added: “St Helens is a rugby town but with close links to Liverpool and Manchester, football is a sport high on people’s lists and the town’s football club St Helens Town also have a rich history of their own.

“It will be great to see some legends of St Helens lace up their boots and there will also be the opportunity to see some stars of the future with exhibition games from local teams.”

Tickets are available via www.saintsrlfc.com, priced at £5 for adults, £2 for U16s/OAPs and £10 for a family (two adults and up to two U16s). Hospitality tickets are also available. Gates open at 6pm.