Steeton Reserves 6

Ovenden West Riding 3

AFTER the previous week's 3-1 win in Ovenden, Steeton's second string were hoping to do the double over the same opponents at Summerhill Lane.

After being out of the game for eight weeks with a facial injury suffered while on first-team duty, Tim Hird returned to the game and gave a good performance in midfield.

The hosts got off to a flying start when Jack Richmond rifled in after eight minutes following a fine low cross from the left by Jari El.

Six minutes later Richmond turned provider when his right wing cross was nodded home by Casey Dowthwaite, who doubled the score.

Steeton seemed to be cruising but Ovenden took the lead with goals in the 15th, 18th and 27th minutes.

However, the hosts did not take long to overcome the shock of losing a two-goal lead and on the half-hour mark Richmond equalised with a superb volley.

Three minutes later the visitors were reduced to 10 men when the referee showed the first of the afternoon's red cards.

Steeton's lead was restored in the 36th minute when Aaron Hollindrake registered the seventh and final goal of the half.

Steeton tried to increase their lead but many an effort missed the target or brought some fine saves from the visiting goalkeeper, whilst at the other end home custodian George Tidswell was rarely called into action during the second period.

Steeton were unable to take advantage of their extra man and even when a second Ovenden player was dismissed in the 65th minute, it was another 15 minutes before they were able to add to their tally when Hollindrake headed powerfully home following a cross from the right.

With time running out, American striker El received his just reward for his hard work throughout the game during which he set up a good number of opportunities for colleagues, by latching on to a loose ball in the goal area and slotting home the ninth and final goal of the game.