Huddersfield YMCA 1 Steeton 0

DESPITE having the lion’s share of possession, Steeton couldn’t find a way past a well-organised YMCA.

The home side have been revitalised following the appointment of former Bay Athletic manager Richard Spychalski. They should have taken an early lead when good play down the right saw the ball being fired over the bar from close range when the centre forward should have done better.

Steeton, who were playing a 4-3-3 formation, found their feet and, after a good interchange of play, Andy Holden fired wide. Within a minute, Joe Park and Tim Hird had shots blocked.

The hosts were well disciplined and got men behind the ball, limiting Steeton to long-range efforts.

They took the lead five minutes before half-time when a corner to the back post saw their centre half and Jack Richmond tussle for the ball. Richmond's shove in the back led to the award of a penalty and Jordan Martin confidently stepped up to send Josh Brooksbank the wrong way.

The second half saw Steeton start much brighter and Park again went close, stealing in at the back post following a good cross from Michael Rhodes.

Sam Rooke did well to block an effort from the home side, who looked quite content to sit deep and hit Steeton on the break.

Chevrons substitute Ben Sutcliffe went close with a cross-come-shot before Corey Speed and Josh Metcalfe were introduced. Speed almost levelled with his first touch but couldn’t apply the finish after a great ball from the left by Park.

It was not to be for Steeton who, despite a much improved second half, need to be more consistent.

Boss Roy Mason said: "It was a frustrating day for us and we need to start dictating the tempo of games more as we play better when the pace is faster.

"We lacked that bit of creativity needed to break down a well-organised and resolute defence."

This Saturday Steeton face a trip to Halifax Irish.

Steeton: Brooksbank, Rhodes, McNulty (Sutcliffe), Barnes, Rooke, Richmond, Holden (Speed), Hird, Reilly, Park, McGee (Metcalfe).