Huddersfield YMCA 5 Steeton 1

STEETON produced their worst performance of the season in what was their biggest West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division test so far.

The locals welcomed back, Andy Holden, Lee Thompson and Olly Hunter while Jack Morrall came in for his first start of the season.

The home side started brightly on a wet surface that was conducive to a quick passing game. They went close from the kick-off with a shot that was narrowly wide.

This was an early warning that wasn’t heeded and within a minute YMCA took the lead. A long ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by the Steeton defence and Luke Peacock was on hand to score.

The home side again went close but Wayne Mahomet did well to block an effort before Steeton got back into the game.

A ball into the box seemed to represent no danger, but the referee spotted Morrall’s shirt being pulled and Lee Reilly struck home the resulting spot kick off the inside of the post.

Soon after Holden did well down the right and his cross was headed over by Reilly.

The home side then restored their lead with a carbon copy goal of their first effort. Again a ball over the top wasn’t dealt with and Peacock was too quick for the visitors and he gave Mahomet no chance.

That was soon a two-goal advantage when Wayne Shooter burst through into the box and despite a great initial save from Mahomet, was sharp enough to smash home the resulting loose ball.

With time running out in the half Glynn Beale struck a fourth goal and effectively killed the game.

Steeton started the second period much brighter and both Tim Hird and Lee Thompson were tireless in their efforts in midfield as they tried to get their side back into the game.

Hunter swung in a great ball from the left and Reilly just couldn’t get the right connection.

Steeton then made a triple change, with Ben Richardson coming on for his debut and Jonson Butterfield and Josh Metcalfe also entered the fray.

The later were both showing lively touches and Butterfield did well down the left but he failed to get enough on a shot at the near post and saw his effort parried.

At the other end Joe Mason had to sweep across to avert more danger and Alistair Morgan made a great tackle as Beale bore down on goal.

Mahomet then did well to save an effort from Peacock who was looking to complete his hat-trick. That arrived midway through the half when he poked the ball in from a tight angle.

Manager Roy Mason was unhappy with the performance. “We were not at the races today in all departments and it’s a feeling of disappointment as much as anything as I feel that we have a stronger squad and one that should be capable of making a genuine challenge this season.

"Today was our big test and we failed. That said we again had to make a number of enforced changes and we will do again this Saturday at Lepton Highlanders. It’s not easy when we have to chop and change every week and I think that we will start getting into our stride a bit more when we get a settled side” he added.

Steeton: Mahomet, Mason, Morgan, K Fox, Rooke, Hird, Holden (Richardson), Thompson, Reilly, Morrall (Metcalfe), Hunter (Butterfield). Sub not used: Fowler