STEETON fell to defeat on the road as their recent run of poor form stretched to just one victory in their last fifteen games.
In truth, this was a poor game played in poor conditions overshadowed by a controversial refereeing display that marred the game’s final half hour.
However, down to just fourteen available players, manager Roy Mason bemoaned the lack of quality shown by this side against fellow strugglers Squires Gate.
Steeton proved their own worst enemies in a frantic early exchange as they did not take their chances and fell behind to a free header after just eight minutes.
Working their way down the left hand side of the pitch, Da-Silva’s pinpoint delivery was met by the head of Abouzaid to break the deadlock.
Midway through the half, Steeton would be awarded a soft penalty.
Josh Coe and Will Squires challenged for the ball in the air with the two players colliding with eyes on the ball.
The referee pointed to the spot much to the dismay of the host’s defence.
Taking hold of the ball, Coe sent young keeper Josh Taylor the wrong way but also placed the penalty well wide of the post.
Shortly after the hour mark however, Coe redeemed himself to equalise.
Jake Townsend, fresh from the bench, worked his way down the channel but saw his initial strike blocked.
He nudged the ball into the path of Coe who fired home from ten yards.
With the game now level, a complete breakdown in communication between the visitors and the officials on the back of a number of contentious decisions by the referee led to the game descending into chaos.
Aidan Kirby felt aggrieved after having a free-kick awarded against him despite winning the ball, his protests earning the striker a stint in the sin-bin.
In an attempt to calm the situation, skipper Arley Barnes attempted to speak with the referee but was also sent for a ten minute breather to the bemusement of all within the ground.
However, Steeton could not feel aggrieved with the officials for the manner in which they conceded the goal that decided the outcome of the game.
Back to a full contingent of eleven players, a delivery into the box was allowed to bounce on the edge of the six yard area.
Macca Smith’s attempted clearance struck the outstretched foot of Will Squires and past Brad Emmerson into the back of the net.
Then in the eighth minute of injury time, full control of the game was lost by the whistle blower and resulted in three red cards in the space of thirty seconds that left Steeton down to eight men.
It began with a challenge in the corner as Macca Smith looked to win the ball and launch Steeton on the counter.
Despite making contact with the ball and knocking it out for a throw, the official awarded a free-kick and brandished a second yellow card.
Bewildered by the decision but aware the clock was running down, Steeton looked to usher a quick restart by their hosts but not before further cards were to be brandished.
Captain Barnes was left stunned to receive a second yellow as the referee stated that he was unhappy with the facial expression pulled by the defender.
This raised the ire of Kirby, who was also shown a second yellow card to spark scenes of fury from those who had made the trip from Yorkshire both on and off the pitch.
Alas though, it would be defeat ahead of what manager Mason has described as a much needed week off from action.
STEETON (Subs): Emmerson; M Smith; Williamson (Holgate); Barnes; J Smith; Kelly (Townsend); Lynn; Hoban (Khan); Kirby; Coe; Gartland.
GOAL (Assist): Coe 63’ (Townsend)
