Steeton stun South Liverpool and ease their relegation fears

Despite being under pressure for the majority of the game, a man of the match performance from goalkeeper James Catlow inspired his side.

And his performance was returned by his teammates, as the Chevrons showed determination and grit throughout to make sure they came home from Merseyside with three points.

The unexpected result against the fourth-placed side moves Steeton seven points clear of the North West Counties Football League First Division North relegation zone.

The first real chance of the game on Saturday went the way of the home side as Rio Merrifield turned a chance wide of the near post with just 90 seconds on the clock.

Despite nearly suffering an early setback, Steeton grew into the game and their efforts were rewarded with the opening goal of the afternoon.

From a free kick, the visitors worked the ball out wide to the feet of Toby Jeffrey on the right wing.

Jeffrey in turn cut inside and delivered a pinpoint cross to the near post, where Josh McKiernon was on hand to get the wrong side of the defender and slip the ball beneath the keeper and into the back of the net.

Steeton's player celebrate the opener from Josh McKiernon (10). (Image: Ian Meachin.)

This however only riled the home side, who spent the remainder of the first half bombarding the Steeton goal.

Owen Hough somehow turned the ball first over and then wide with two open goals at his mercy.

The Chevrons defence did their part with a number of heroic defensive efforts and a string of outstanding saves from Catlow beneath the sticks.

But there was controversy at both ends as the referee waved away what looked like two clear penalties.

The first saw Ryan Firth bring down a South attacker from behind inside the area, while Ethan Hudson-Parker was felled when racing through on goal at the other end.

Coming out for the second half with their slender lead still intact, the Steeton defence continued to do its part under a bombardment from the South Liverpool midfield and attack.

Jeffrey nearly doubled the Steeton lead as he showed intelligent play from near to halfway as he attempted to chip the keeper.

Lucas Allan however recovered well to catch the ball and keep it the right side of the line.

At the other end, South Liverpool twice struck the woodwork, as the Chevrons' goal continued to live a charmed life.

But then, out of nowhere and completely against the run of play, the visitors doubled their lead.

From a dangerous-looking Souths attack, Steeton hit on the counter.

Jeffrey took hold of the ball down the right wing and made a marauding run down the channel.

Once near to the opposition area, he whipped in an absolutely superb teasing ball across the face of the goal and towards the back post.

Ethan Hudson-Parker was on hand to drop behind the defender and find himself unmarked to head the ball home and spark wild celebrations from teammates and supporters alike behind the goal.

Ethan Hudson-Parker (left) heads home Steeton's second goal to give them some breathing space. (Image: Ian Meachin.)

Moments later, Hudson-Parker had a glorious chance to make it three and put the game beyond doubt as he beat the offside trap.

But with the goal at his mercy, the striker put the ball well over the crossbar.

Desperately searching for the goal to get themselves back into the arm wrestle, the home side pushed forward once more.

Surviving another two penalty appeals, another spate of heroic defensive efforts followed from Steeton.

Foley Nkem’s superb last-ditch tackle was followed by Ben McCready putting his body, and manhood, on the line to keep the clean sheet intact.

And in the game's closing moments, Nicky McNally put the ball inches over as Steeton almost made it 3-0, but the three points came home with his side regardless.