Steeton 2 Storthes Hall 1

Steeton had to come from behind to grind out a tough 2-1 win over a young, spirited Storthes Hall side, who, with a bit more composure in front of goal, could have taken a share of the points.

Steeton welcomed back Jack Ogalbe for his first appearance in nearly 18 months following a knee injury. He replaced the unavailable Pete Hanson in central midfield. Otherwise it was the same side that started the previous week’s game against Hall Green United.

Youngsters, Aaron Dickson and Jack Wrigglesworth were both handed roles on the bench, as was new signing Nicky McNally.

The home side started brightly and almost took an early lead when Andy Holden whipped over a tell-ing cross and Lee Reilly got in front of his marker but just couldn’t direct his shot on target.

Storthes were playing with an extra man in midfield, and this was proving to be of benefit as they started to win the battle there, Steeton keeper Phil Rishton being forced into a smart save.

At the other end, Andy King fired wide as Steeton looked to gain the advantage.

However, it was the visitors who drew first blood. A cross from the right-hand side was sent invitingly across the six-yard box, and Matty Kershaw couldn’t do anything but divert the ball past Rishton.

The old adage of goals changing games was certainly true, and Steeton had Rishton to thank for keeping the score down to one as he managed to block an effort a min-ute later. The second half was pretty even, with both sides pushing forward at every opportunity.

Adam Spencer went close with a header that the keeper did well to get across to, and Storthes had a couple of long-range strikes that were just off target.

But it was the home side who drew level. Danny McNulty was upended on the corner of the box and Reilly curled the ball past the defensive wall into the bottom corner.

Steeton showed a positive resolve by replacing the tiring McNulty with McNally as they pushed all out to win the game. But it was Storthes Hall who were handed the best chance. As the ball bounced in the box, Ogalbe handled.

The referee was unsighted and waved play on but, from the resulting loose ball, King was adjudged to have fouled his opponent and a spot-kick was awarded.

Up stepped Richard Lally, and he drove his penalty firmly against the crossbar, much to the home side’s relief.

With 15 minutes of play remaining, Michael Rhodes sent in a deep cross and Sam Rooke got his head to the ball to loop it over the advancing keeper and give Steeton the points.

It was hearts-in-mouths time as Storthes fired a shot wide of goal in injury time, but Steeton held out and left Storthes Hall, who included former Steeton skipper Jimmy Christian in their ranks, frustrated with the failure to take their opportunities.

Steeton travel to Kirkburton on Saturday.

Steeton: Rishton, Rhodes, McNulty (McNally), Kershaw, Rooke, Whiteoak, Holden, Ogalbe, Reilly, Spencer (Foster), A King. Substitutes (not used) Dickson, Wrigglesworth.