West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division: Steeton 2 Huddersfield YMCA 1

STEETON put one over the league champions and Premier Division Cup holders in what was their first home league game since October.

The hosts – who have been drawn against West Yorkshire League Division One Boroughbridge in the County Cup semi-finals at Woodlesford on Wednesday, April 19 – began strongly.

Andy Holden was unlucky to have a goal disallowed due to a marginal offside decision. Graham Holmes and Olly Hunter went close before the deadlock was broken just after the half-hour mark when a shot from Holmes caused a scramble and a defender turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Andy Briggs. Straight from the restart YMCA lost possession and it broke kindly to Tim Hird, who put Steeton 2-0 up.

YMCA almost pulled a goal back just before the break when Hird's clearance struck an opponent and looked to be heading into the net but keeper Wayne Mahomet pulled off a superb one-handed save to push the ball to safety.

Holden and Lee Reilly went close to giving Steeton a three-goal lead but Mahomet was called into action again in first-half stoppage time. He made a brave save at the feet of an onrushing striker, injuring himself in the process.

YMCA pulled a goal back ten seconds into the second half. The home defence were caught off guard as Connor Tough fired home with Steeton looking as if they were still in the changing rooms.

The goal spurred the visitors on but their attempts to find an equaliser brought out the best in Joe Mason, Alistair Morgan and Steve Pearson in the Chevrons defence.

As YMCA pushed forward, the hosts found a more space in front of goal but attempts by Holmes, Reilly and substitute Alex Yates were all thwarted.

An equaliser almost came on the hour-mark when Huddersfield's No 9 lofted the ball over the bar when a goal looked likely. It was a huge let-off for Steeton.

With minutes remaining, Jonson Butterfield replaced Andy Briggs, who had worked hard down the left flank and combined well with Hunter.

Steeton were forced to boot clear on more than one occasion to relieve the pressure but they held out to claim three hard-fought points.

Chevrons boss Roy Mason said: "It was a good win for us but one that could have been a bit more comfortable.

"We created plenty of chances to have been more than 2-0 up at half-time and then we conceded a sloppy goal just after the interval, which changed the complexion of the game.

"But it's another win and it's important we get a bit of momentum going as we have been playing one in two weeks since the turn of the year due to the bad weather."

Steeton remain fifth with 25 points – just four points behind third-placed Huddersfield, who have played six games more.

Steeton: Mahomet, Mason, Hunter, Morgan, Pearson, Hird, Holden, Rhodes, Reilly (Yates), Holmes, Andy Briggs (Butterfield). Unused substitute: McAdam.

* Steeton Reserves went down at Thornton United Reserves 4-2, their goals coming from Olly Whitham and Callum Wear.