Keighley Cup action saw the home side put their league quest on the backburner this week, facing a formidable opponent in Steeton Reserves at home.
Hills knew they’d be in for a tough game and the late withdrawal of Tom McCann to first team duty, along with Mark Smith and Ben Geary unavailable, made a change to the back line, with Daniels and Osadzenko paired together. Luke Wilson returned to lead the line with Stephenson and Kildunne was recalled in midfield. Luke Newton was on the bench after a spell out with injury.
In a game where the away team were expected to win, Hills found themselves on the backfoot in the opening minute, with Smith called into action after a move straight from the kickoff and this was unfortunately the way things would go as the away side powered forward and scored three quick goals in the first 6 minutes and taking the wind out of the home teams sails. In spite of the early domination from the visitors, the home team had their supporters on their feet with the goal of the game from Luke Wilson. Rob Matthews picking the ball up on the edge of his own box, beating three Steeton players before playing through Wilson, who’s exquisite first touch and ensuing volley from 35 yards had the away goalkeeper glued to his line as it flew into the top corner, a real worldy of a goal. The ensuing 10 minute period showed that the young reds have the quality to mix it with anybody, as they pinned the away team in their own half with some excellent football.
Following this period, Hills lost influential centre half Osadzenko through injury and Luke Newton was sent on in an unfamiliar role to replace him, but in spite of his introduction, the away side continued to pile on the pressure and were 7-1 up at the interval. The normally predatory Stephenson was hauled off just after half time after being kept quiet by the Steeton backline and was replaced by Wood, who battled hard on the flank.
The second half started in the same vain as the first, with the away side on the attack and it wasn’t long before Smith, who was outstanding thoughout was beaten again. More goals followed, including a penalty after an innocuous looking handball from Newton, leaving the opposition in complete control of proceedings. Spencer completed his double hat-trick for the away side soon after and despite all this, the midfield trio of Kildunne, Hall and Matthews didn’t give in and a goalmouth scramble in the final minute involving Smith and Hall highlighted the never-say-die attitude of the home team.
In truth, Steeton were stronger and fitter than the home side and were dominant for all but a ten minute spell in the first half. They were ruthless in front of goal and made their chances count, with one striker scoring 7 of their 13 goals. The movement and passing wasn’t too dissimilar to the hosts, its just that they always made the final ball count, whereas Hills were often left wanting in this area.
Will Lockyer was MOM and there were some battling performances, Hall was dogged in midfield and Smith played extremely well in goals. Luke Newton also looked sharp, playing over an hour after returning from injury and Matthews did his best against opposition unlikely to be bettered this season in this competition.
Its always difficult writing a positive report when the scoreline is so excessive, but there were a lot of positives to take from this game and its after performances like this where you find out the character of your team mates. Skipton Town are next up for the young reds, hopefully we’ll see that temperament shine through.
S Smith; W Lockyer, L Daniels (J Jackson), R Osadzenko (L Newton), M Jennings; C Hall, S Kildunne, R Matthews, H Peacock (capt); O Stephenson (S Wood), L Wilson.
