Steeton 3 Kirkburton 1

Steeton made amends for an opening-day defeat at home to Salts with a convincing win over Kirkburton.

With Adam Spencer working and Sam Rooke struggling with a back injury, the Chevrons brought in Chris Simpson and Pete Hanson to the starting line-up following last Wednesday’s 3-2 reversal.

Steeton started with much more intensity and created some good chances in the early stages.

When Jamie Longley was upended in the box, Michael Rhodes had an early opportunity to put Steeton ahead from the spot but the keeper reacted well and saved the penalty and also the follow-up.

Longley himself then went close, as did Simpson, while, at the other end, Kirkburton forced a good opening but their striker pulled the ball wide of the post when he should have tested goalkeeper Phil Rishton.

Steeton took the lead on the 35-minute mark when Simpson flicked a header on and Longley expertly fired into the bottom corner of the net.

The Summerhill Laners had a great opportunity to extend their lead when Longley was again adjudged to have been fouled in the box.

This time it was Simpson who stepped up with a carbon copy of the first penalty and the visitors’ goalkeeper blocked it with his legs.

Steeton made up for it early in the second period, doubling their advantage when Andy Holden picked up the ball on the edge of the box and, after good work by Andy King, curled a tremendous shot into the top corner.

Simpson again went close and Damien Whiteoak was unlucky when he burst through but his effort at full stretch was just wide.

Burton pulled a goal back against the run of play as their striker was allowed too much space in the box and fired home.

But the two-goal lead was restored almost immediately. Whiteoak burst through and his deep cross was headed home by the on-rushing Holden at the far post.

Steeton boss Roy Mason said: “Last Wednesday wasn’t the start that we were looking for but we had an ideal chance to put right a lot of things on Saturday, which we did.

“We played with a good tempo and our work-rate was better than in midweek. We are still looking to get a couple of players up to full fitness as well.”

Steeton’s 3-2 defeat to a resurgent Salts side saw the visitors take a three-goal lead before Simpson and King pulled goals back but, despite sustained pressure, the hosts couldn’t find a leveller.

Mason’s men, who were due to visit Campion last night, entertain Hall Green on Saturday (2.30pm).

Steeton (v Kirkburton): Rishton, Rhodes, McNulty, Kershaw, Hanson, Whiteoak, Holden, Barnes (Ogalbe), Simpson, Longley (Foster), A King (Ridding).

*Steeton reserves started life in Division One with a 4-3 win over relegated Overthorpe.

Ross Bailey hit a brace and further goals from Josh Huntley and Casey Dowthwaite put Steeton 4-1 up before two late goals for the home side ensured a nervy finish to the game.