STEETON finished their 2020/21 pre-season programme with a well fought 2-2 draw with Northern Counties East Premier Division side Thackley at the Thank You Key Workers Stadium.

The visitors had the first opportunity to open the scoring when Freddie Maddock’s long throw caused confusion in the home defence which led to Ben Wignall firing over.

Lewis Waddington then fired in a long-range effort that flew over the Steeton crossbar.

Jordan Moorhouse did well to stop Owen Murphy. The keeper turned his left footed free kick onto the crossbar as the hosts looked favourites to make the breakthrough.

A minute later, they did. Ray Sibanda turned his man and fired into the bottom corner to put Thackley a goal to the good.

However, their lead lasted a mere three minutes after Jake Townsend picked the ball up on the edge of the box and curled an effort beyond the diving Luke Wilson.

The game then swung on its head. Ben Wignall spun well and clipped the ball over Wilson to put Steeton 2-1 up.

The North West Counties First Division North team had Moorhouse to thank for going into the break ahead. He did well to block Simon Poole’s effort.

Steeton began the second period on the front foot. Great play from Kayle Price and Townsend saw Wignall fly in with a diving header, but Wilson was there to deny Steeton taking a 3-1 lead.

Soon after, Townsend appeared to be fouled in the area. The referee deemed it a dive and waved away the appeals.

Thackley would equalise though. Waddington reacted the quickest to fire home after James Wolfenden did well to head off the line.

Late on, Asa Mitchell should have done better when he fired wide.

Steeton now turn their attention to the visit of Jarrow in the FA Vase next Saturday, which will be played at Barnoldswick Town’s Silentnight Stadium.