STEETON remain in deep trouble in the North West Counties Football League First Division North, though they at least remain three points outside the relegation zone.

They had lost their last seven games in all competition heading into Saturday’s home game against a Maghull side who began the day 12th in the 18-team table.

Yet the Chevrons made their visitors look like world-beaters, as the Merseysiders left Marley with a massive 6-1 win.

Darren Brannigan put Maghull in front with a deflected effort, before Jacob Till capitalised on a defensive error then threaded the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

And the away side made it 3-0 just before the break, as Steeton allowed Marcus Stewart to score with simple close range header from a corner.

Steeton keeper James Catlow was being badly let down by his defence and despite producing a stunning save 10 minutes into the second half, he was soon beaten again.

A Maghull counter-attack ended with Brannigan adding his second goal of the afternoon, and he completed his hat-trick on 63 minutes.

A silly defensive mix-up gifted Steeton and Josh Debenham a goal back late on, but it was Maghull who deservedly had the final word, Robbie McDonald scoring in second-half stoppage-time.

Steeton are back in action tomorrow night, as they travel to Squires Gate for a Macron Cup first-round clash.