Tyersal 1 Steeton 5

Steeton took advantage of being the only West Riding County Amateur Premier Division game to beat the weather as they moved into third place with a convincing win at Tyersal.

With Danny McNulty out injured, Josh Ferguson came in for his first-team debut at left back.

Stewart Airdrie, the former Barnoldswick player-manager, was on the bench for the Chevrons as was Graham Holmes, who was back in the first-team squad for the first time since September of last year following a knee injury.

Steeton started the game in positive fashion, with Adam Spencer just wide of the target, and Damien Whiteoak was just over with a header following good work from Andy Holden and Michael Rhodes.

Keeper Phil Rushton was alert at the other end as Tyersal tried a shot from distance.

Lee Reilly just failed to get a connection on Spencer’s ball as the windy conditions made good football very difficult.

Andy King was unlucky with an effort as he spotted the keeper off his line but his audacious chip was just over the bar.

Steeton took the lead midway through the first half when Reilly and Spencer combined and Spen-cer drilled home from close range.

The lead was quickly doubled when King was felled on the edge of the box and Holden’s free-kick eluded everyone and found the bottom corner.

Steeton were now getting into their stride and, with Tim Hird and Whiteoak winning the midfield battle, it was looking a case of how many goals they would get.

Despite this pressure, they had to wait 15 minutes into the second period before they increased that lead.

King picked out Spencer superbly at the far post and his cushioned header was guided home by Whiteoak. A minute later it was four as Holden cut in from the right to slam home from just inside the box.

Tyersal were handed a lifeline when Pete Hanson bundled over his opponent in the box and they reduced the arrears from the spot.

But Steeton soon restored their advantage as Reilly dinked the ball over the advancing keeper for number five.

Steeton entertain league leaders Ovenden this Saturday at Summerhill Lane, when a win would see them leapfrog their opponents. The club are hoping for a big crowd.

Steeton: Rishton, Rhodes, Ferguson, Kershaw, Hanson (Foster), Whiteoak, Holden, Hird, Reilly (Holmes), Spencer, King (Airdrie).

* Steeton Reserves enjoyed a 4-2 win at home to Campion Reserves in Division One.

Ross Bailey struck twice and further strikes from Craig Gregory and Casey Dowthwaite sealed the victory for what was again a very young Steeton side.