West Riding County FA Challenge Cup First Round: Steeton 7 Cross Hills 1

STEETON had this cup derby sewn up by the interval as they proved too good for their Craven League visitors.

Rory Judd came into Steeton's back line in place of the unavailable Michael Rhodes while Tom Sowerbutts started after being a substitute in the last match.

The Chevrons' first goal came after ten minutes when Ben Clarkson rounded goalkeeper Nathan Mullaney before slotting home.

Clarkson doubled the score with his ninth of the season seven minutes later when Jonah Smith's long throw eventually fell to the striker, who prodded in. Andy Briggs made it 3-0 after 28 minutes with a superb volley from Andy Holden's corner.

Holden chanced his arm from distance and was unfortunate to see his effort strike the bar before the visitors almost pulled a goal back but were thwarted by a flying save from goalkeeper Joe Mash. From the resulting corner, the ball was transferred to the opposite end of the pitch and Briggs unleashed a low drive from more than 20 yards out to notch his fifth goal of the season.

Steeton continued to dominate in the second half. After 52 minutes Briggs almost completed his hat-trick but his effort was parried to substitute Joe Flaherty, who made no mistake from close range.

Cross Hills almost pulled a goal back but were unlucky to see a good effort strike an upright before they did manage to score when a mix-up led to Steve Pearson being dispossessed by Sam Birks, who placed a low drive past Mash.

Ten minutes from time Andy Holden increased Steeton's lead when he found himself unmarked in the centre and he slotted home.

In the last minute Callum Wear – a substitute for Briggs – rounded the game off with with a fine effort to notch Steeton's seventh.

Chevrons boss Roy Mason said: "It was a professional performance from us in a game where we had everything to lose and nothing to gain as, with all due respect to Cross Hills, it was a game we were expected to win.

"I thought we moved the ball well and our movement off the ball was good. As a consequence we created numerous chances. Great credit to Cross Hills who didn't give up at any point. They were a credit to their manager Scott Newton and I'd like to wish them all the best for the rest of the season."

In the next round Steeton face a trip to Knaresborough Town Reserves on November 4.

Steeton: Mash, Mason, Scott, Judd, Pearson (Smith A) Hird, Holden, Smith J, Clarkson, Briggs (Wear), Sowerbutts (Wear).

Cross Hills: Mullaney, Jordan, Luke Newton, Hoban, Daniel, Scott Newton, Birks, Josh Page, Eastbury, Jamie Page, Morris.