Premier Division

Lower Hopton 0 Steeton 0

Steeton ground out a well-earned point against Premier Divison newcomers Lower Hopton.

With the newly-promoted side getting off to a good start this season, the Chevrons knew they had to build on the previous week’s win at Kirkburton to get anything out of the game.

With six key players missing and Joe Meegan pulling up in the warm-up, manager Roy Mason was forced to register himself as a player and name himself amongst the substitutes. Josh Brooksbank came in for his debut in goal and Ryan Cox was making his first appearance in the centre of midfield. Meegan’s injury forced Josh Ferguson into an emergency centre half.

A cagey first half saw Andy King and Andy Holden both fire over with long-range efforts, with Mark McGee also to the fore.

The second half saw the home side put Steeton under pressure and Brooksbank had to be alert to at his near post to push a shot away. Lower Hopton forced several corners, with Holden clearing off the line from onw and Sam Rooke making a last-ditch tackle.

With time running out, Brooksbank made a flying save to his right from a free-kick that ensured a point for Steeton.

Mason said: "It was a very pleasing point. With depleted numbers it was always going to be a tough task, but they game plan worked well and that was to try and stiffle them and get men behind the ball.

"We worked very hard as a unit on Saturday and that was pleasing. I said to the players at half time that it might be a case of grinding out a point rather than going gun hoe and trying to get all three and end up with nothing.

"It was also important we continued our unbeaten run, which now stretches to the last four games. With key players to return, plus the posibility of a couple of signings, we should approach the next few fixtures with a certain degree of confidence."

Steeton host Ovenden this week in the League Cup, with an earlier kick-off time of 1.45pm.

Steeton: Brooksbank, Kershaw, McGee, Ferguson, Rooke, Whiteoak, Holden, Hird, Metcalfe, Cox (Speed), King. Subs not used: Mason, Meegan.