Steeton 3 Golcar United 0

STEETON boss Roy Mason was left beaming with pride after his side opened their campaign with a resounding victory.

After a goalless first half, the hosts produced a powerful second-half display which harvested goals for Nicky McNally (2) and Lee Reilly.

Mason said: “This was just the start we were looking for.

“It was a really hard-working performance and bar the first 20 minutes I didn’t think that we were really troubled too much.

“The back three set the tone for the game with a solid display and the five in midfield got to grips with what Golcar had to offer and the front two worked their socks off.

“That said, we will not be getting carried away and we all realise that it’s a long season, but nevertheless it was great to get three points on the board.”

The hosts selected new signing James Nettleton, who slotted in perfectly alongside Sam Rooke in defence, and welcomed back Andy King after a season away.

The first half produced no goals but both teams went close with the respective goalkeepers making brave saves.

The visiting defenders seemed pre-occupied with keeping a close eye on striker Reilly which left McNally and Andy Holden with more space than they were expecting.

However, it was King who went closest to scoring with a shot which struck an upright and another which brought out the best of keeper Ash Connor.

A long and accurate goalkick from Wayne Mahomet found Holden completely unmarked on the right.

He had time to steady himself and crossed superbly but McNally's header just cleared the crossbar.

The hosts won the game in the second half as persistence down the right flank paid off for McNally who beat his man for pace and fired across the goal.

Despite the best efforts of a retreating defender the ball trickled in just beside the post to give the hosts the lead.

The lead was doubled not long after when Reilly was put through and dribbled the ball into the area.

As he attempted to go around Connor the keeper brought him down and the referee pointed to the spot.

Reilly slotted the ball home to score his 103rd Premier League goal for the club on what was his 100th Premier League appearance.

A truly outstanding achievement which was marked in a centre page article in the club's re-vamped match programme.

As the game drew to a close Steeton's superior fitness told and McNally put the score beyond doubt.

With a three goal margin manager and players tiring manager, Mason, introduced Declan Consoli and Jack Wrigglesworth for their debuts and the latter almost scored a fluke fourth when he chased a stray back pass.

Connor's rushed clearance smacked the young striker on the back but went wide of the mark.

Last night, Steeton travelled to Campion and on Saturday Kirkburton visit Summerhill Lane.

Team: Mahomet, Rhodes, Park, Nettleton, Rooke, Richmond, Holden (Consoli), Cox, Reilly (Wrigglesworth), McNally, King (Meegan). Unused substitute: Ferguson