AFC Liverpool 3

Steeton 3

IT was a night of mixed emotions for Steeton as a battling performance saw them end a run of defeats in the Hallmark Security League Division One North.

But the pleasure of an away point was tempered by the fact that with just over 10 minutes of the game remaining they had been winning 3-1.

A lively start to the game saw both teams create chances, with Steeton perhaps fashioning the clearest opportunities.

Early in proceedings, Ben Richardson volleyed handsomely over before Aaron Davis’ free-kick took a nick off the wall for a corner. Toby Jeffrey delivered the corner, but it was headed away before a follow-up attack saw Andy Briggs effort go straight into the Liverpool goalkeeper's hands.

At the other end Joe Mash, making only his second start of the season in goal, was called into action on a number of occasions, pulling off a particularly fine save from a deflection off the foot of Steve Pearson.

The hosts opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a penalty awarded after a coming together in the box. Rhys Hardacre stepped up to put it past Mash.

Patient build-up play from the hosts failed to create real opportunities with Steeton’s defensive unit well-organised and able to deal with the threat comfortably.

Midway through the half Steeton’s best move of the match resulted in Joe Mason playing Briggs in, but the striker couldn’t make a solid connection and the keeper collected. The pressure told, though, and less than a minute later Briggs was upended in the box for a Steeton penalty.

Aaron Hollindrake maintained his form from the spot, dispatching comfortably to level the scores.

The half came to a close with AFC Liverpool almost taking the lead when a sweeping effort crashed off the crossbar with Mash rooted.

Liverpool created the first chance of the second half when a corner was stabbed narrowly wide. At the other end a forward ball for Jeffrey was controlled well by Briggs to get him beyond his man for a cross. Hollidrake headed back across the empty box.

Steeton’s attacking play was rewarded in the 57th minute with Jeffrey again involved. His lovely swinging ball was met by Hollidrake, who rose highest to glance home for 2-1.

Two minutes later the visitors doubled their lead. This time Briggs out-muscled the home centre-half to slot home despite the best efforts of the keeper.

Ten minutes before full-time, a cracking finish from Liverpool striker James McGrane offered a route back in.

It seems to be enough for Steeton to hold on for the win, with Jeffrey almost increasing the lead when his shot cannoned off the bar. But the home side were not done and in the 93rd minute they grab an equaliser through Jordan Foster.

Friday's nights draw on Merseyside followed a disappointing 2-0 home league defeat to Cleater Moor Celtic two days earlier.