West Riding County FA Challenge Cup quarter-final: Beeston St Anthony’s 0 Steeton 1

STEETON boss Roy Mason hailed his players after they progressed into the semi-finals by knocking out current holders Beeston on their own patch.

A goal from substitute Tom Sowerbutts after 20 minutes was enough to beat their West Yorkshire League Premier Division hosts.

And Mason was left delighted by the way the Chevrons carried out his instructions.

He said: "It was a superb performance by the players. We had a game plan as we felt we needed to have a bigger presence in midfield and we worked on a few things in training during the week, especially on our shape retention and it was pleasing that the players executed it to perfection.

"It's never easy going to places like Beeston, but the players showed that they can adapt their game and we really dug deep at times and I don't think Wayne Mahomet had one direct save to make."

The Chevrons, who were backed by a large travelling support, made one change to the side that beat Honley with Andy Briggs replacing Alex Yates as they opted for a 4-4-1-1 formation for the first time this season.

The opening exchanges saw a few heavy challenges and one resulted in Ben Richardson suffering a knee injury and having to be replaced by Sowerbutts. This forced a re-shuffle with Briggs moving out wide and Andy Holden moving into the middle.

Steeton’s first chance fell to Holden on the edge of the box after good work from Sowerbutts, but he just got under his shot and it went over.

At the other end Steve Pearson did well to get a block in as the home side looked to get on the front foot.

Steeton took the lead on 20 minutes when Joe Mason was fouled on the right-hand side and Olly Hunter curled a free-kick to the far post. Briggs did well to peel off his marker and head back across goal. His effort came back off the bar but Sowerbutts was on hand to finish from close range at the far post.

Hunter and Briggs combined well to pull the ball back for Graham Holmes, whose shot lacked enough power to really trouble the keeper.

Steeton’s decision to play three in the middle of midfield seemed to be paying dividends with captain Michael Rhodes and Tim Hird at the heart of Steeton's good work in defence and attack.

Beeston dragged a shot wide of goal and Mahomet had a couple of deep crosses to deal with but nothing that really put him under pressure.

The second period saw the home side up the ante. Alistair Morgan did well to head clear as Beeston had players arriving from deep.

Holmes got involved in a physical battle with the Beeston centre half and found his way into the referee's notebook after seeming to be on the wrong end of a few decisions.

His frustration started to boil over after appearing to have his shirt tugged when looking to get a header on target. As a result, he was replaced by Alex Yates to avoid the risk a second yellow.

Yates continued Holmes' good work, winning a free-kick on the edge of the box from which Hunter was unlucky to see his effort narrowly curl just over.

Another set-piece from Hunter almost brought a second when Pearson's header dropped the wrong side of the bar.

With the home team looking to maintain their grip on the trophy, they started to throw a few long balls into the Steeton box but they proved fruitless.

Holden was replaced by Lee Reilly and he combined well with Yates. Showing his experience, he drew a foul in the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

Reilly stepped up but the keeper guessed right and blocked his effort to make it a nervous last few minutes but Steeton held firm.

The Chevrons return to league action on Saturday when they entertain Overthorpe (2pm).

Steeton: Mahomet, Mason, Hunter, Morgan, Pearson, Hird, Holden (Reilly), Rhodes, Briggs, Holmes (Yates), Richardson (Sowerbutts).