Littletown 2 Steeton 3

Steeton survived a late rally to ensure they took three points from a performance that merited a win.

With Pete Hanson injured, Michael Rhodes returned to the starting lineup and Sam Rooke and Josh Ferguson also came back into the side after missing the previous week’s defeat to Bay Athletic.

The game was played on a bobbly pitch which made it difficult for either team to get into their flow.

The home side had the better of the early exchanges. Their striker poked a ball past Phil Rishton but the ball ran the wrong side of the post.

Matty Kershaw did well to block on the edge of the box as Littletown looked to take advantage of their best spell of the half.

However, as is so often the way when a side fails to capitalise on their superiority, Steeton made the hosts pay as Danny McNulty struck a tremendous volley into the top corner following a Rhodes cross.

The second half saw more Chevrons pressure. Graham Holmes appeared to be man-handled in the box but the referee waved play on. Andy King then fired an effort wide as Littletown became more direct.

Steeton doubled their lead when a great cross from the right from Andy Holden was met by Holmes, who hung in the air and headed powerfully home. It was a sweet goal for the striker (pictured) on the ground where he damaged knee ligaments 18 months ago.

The advantage was soon stretched to three when McNulty’s quick thinking fed Andy King, who fired in from close range.

The game should have been over and McNulty was given a well-earned rest and replaced by Andy Foster.

However, the home side also made a double substitution which paid dividends.

They got their reward when a ball over the top caught them out and the Littletown striker lobbed the ball superbly over Rishton.

A minute later and the home side were well and truly back in the game when a ball to the far post was smashed home for a second.

Then a Littletown free-kick evaded everyone and bounced back off the post before Rishton produced an acrobatic save from a header to ensure that Steeton held on for the win.

Chevrons boss Roy Mason said: “It was a real battling performance, especially as the squad was down to the bare bones.

“We dug deep and got the win. We were a bit disappointed with conceding a couple of late goals but the lads were running a bit on empty towards the end after a real workman-like effort.”

Steeton travel to Lepton Highland-ers on Saturday.

Steeton: Rishton, Rhodes, Ferguson, Kershaw, Rooke, Ogalbe, Holden, Hird, McNulty (Foster), Holmes, A King.