AFC Blackpool 1

Steeton 1

DESPITE bringing to an end a run of bad form, Steeton can feel disappointed not to have come away with three points from this Hallmark Security League Division One North clash.

In a closely-fought game it was the visitors that created the best chances and, but for hesitancy in the opposition’s box, the Chevron’s could and should have sealed victory.

Steeton started the game with leading scorer Andy Briggs on the bench and Ben Clarkson given the opportunity to lead the line from the start.

It was the number nine who had the visitors' first real chance when a defence-splitting ball through the middle from Toby Rawcliffe found him in space on the left side of the goal area. Clarkson’s snatched shot was skewed well wide.

This set the tone of the half, with both sets of strikers failing to capitalise on some decent build-up play.

Early in proceedings new Steeton goalkeeper Fletcher Paley was called into action, racing off his line and spreading himself wide to thwart a goal-scoring opportunity.

In the 26th minute Steeton had their first real opportunity of the game when another good through ball from Rawcliffe was gathered by Aaron Hollindrake, finding himself with space and and time on the edge of the box. The obvious choice seemed to be shoot but the striker opted to turn inside and the chance was lost.

At the other end, left-back Elliot Scott was called into action making a fantastic last-ditch tackle to deny the Blackpool striker and clear the danger.

The visitors enjoyed their best period of the game, Toby Jeffrey increasingly influential from the right. His in-swinging low cross found Clarkson unmarked in the box, but the striker gets the ball trapped under his feet and is tackled.

Then another Jeffrey ball between the centre backs is latched onto by Clarkson, who rounded the keeper but his shot from a tight angle is blocked by a defender sliding in to put the ball out.

From the resulting corner Steeton open the scoring. The cross is cleared but headed back into the box and Hollindrake is first to react, swivelling inside the six-yard box to fire high into the net.

As the half winded down James Grogan went in the book for a strong challenge.

The opening period of the second half was a cagey affair, with neither team gaining much traction in the final third.

Blackpool began to get more joy down the flanks, with several balls crossed into the box. Fortunately for Steeton, there seemed to be little aerial threat and most were dealt comfortably by Steve Pearson and Sam Rooke.

With 60 minutes gone the Chevrons sparked to life and a break for the back released Clarkson just inside the opposition half. With just the keeper to beat, the young strike was seemingly felled from behind but the referee waved play on.

As the game entered the final 15 minutes the Steeton players appeared happy to hold on to the one-goal advantage.

Manager Roy Mason seemed to have other ideas, replacing Hollindrake with Briggs and bringing on Aaron Davis for Freddie Maddocks, who acquitted himself well throughout the afternoon.

While the changes brought more endeavour from the visitors, it was Blackpool who capitalised. Forcing a corner from a Steeton free-kick, Jake Darnell headed powerfully home for the equaliser.

It was a disappointing goal to concede after an excellent defensive performance, and Steeton immediately tried to force a winner with a run and shot from Briggs that was well saved by the Blackpool keeper.

More Steeton pressure followed, with Callum Meade introduced on the right.

Mason said: "It was a much improved performance today and credit to the players who have really worked hard this week.

"We were well organised and disciplined in all areas of the park and we limited Blackpool to long range efforts.

"We maybe should have been more than one goal up at the interval and ultimately that maybe cost us the points as Blackpool levelled late in the game from a corner.

"But overall there were a lot of positives and a lot for us to build on going into Wednesday’s game against Garstang."

Steeton: Paley, Mason, Scott, Rooke, Pearson, Gogan, Jeffrey, Rawcliffe, Clarkson (Meade), Hollindrake (Briggs), Maddocks (Davis). Sub not used Morgan.