Steeton Reserves 2 Thornes FC 3

HAVING played Thornes in the opening game of the season and come away with a creditable draw, this was an opportunity for Steeton's young team to see how far they have progressed.

Steeton started brightly and a through ball from Speed found Hudson, whose shot from outside the box fizzed over the bar.

Foster and Speed were dealing well with Thornes' midfield and had a good supply line going to Douthwaite and Sutcliffle out wide.

Against the run of play it was Thornes who broke the deadlock through Ben Long.

Worse was to follow, as Austin evaded a couple of challenges before curling the ball into the top corner past debutant keeper Tom Allmark.

As half-time approached, Douthwaite latched onto a loose ball and struck a half volley which hit the underside of the bar.

Ten minutes into the second half Mortimer came on for Foster, which meant that ten of the Steeton players on the pitch were 21 or under.

The home side got back in the game when Sutcliffe pounced and suddenly the pendulum had swung back in Steeton's favour.

Steeton pressed for the equaliser but, as they committed more men forward, Thornes hit them on the counter-attack, Miller beating the offside trap before finishing coolly.

With time running out, Hudson was fouled outside the box and Mortimer's cross was met by Ferguson, who headed the ball home for 3-2.

Steeton reserves: Allmark, Mason, Ferguson, Speed, Morgan (capt), Leach, Douthwaite ( McGowan), Foster (Mortimer), Hudson, Huntley (Lee), Sutcliffe. Sub not used O'Dwyer.