STEETON suffered a third consecutive defeat as they lost on the road at Flixton.
In truth, the game was an even affair with the Chevrons holding their own against the team that many are tipping as the favourite for promotion in the division this season.
However, the Chevrons proved their own worst enemies as a disastrous start to the second half saw them slip to defeat and the place above the relegation places in the early league standings.
The game got off to a lively start with both teams having chances in the end-to-end early exchanges.
But then came a massive talking point.
A late challenge on the edge of the area saw Flixton’s Jordan Butterworth shown a yellow card.
Many though among the healthy crowd of 288, and definitely all of those of a Steeton persuasion, felt the official was lenient in not producing a different colour card.
From the resulting free-kick, Steeton nearly found the lead, but Josh Coe saw his effort superbly saved by Cameron Mason between the sticks.
At the other end, Flixton nearly found the opening goal of the afternoon themselves.
Hitting on the counter, they worked the ball to Lewis Simon-Byrne.
The striker’s effort was close but just cleared the crossbar.
As the clock ticked towards the half hour mark, the visitors broke the deadlock.
Forcing a corner, Steeton showed once more why they are proving a threat from set pieces this season.
Macca Smith’s in-swinging delivery was met by the head of Nathan Storton.
The centre back turned the ball into the back of the net for his second in as many games, the defender taking his tally for the campaign to three goals in the process.
The lead though would only last eight minutes as the league’s big spenders drew themselves level as half-time came nearer.
Working the ball into a good position, Brad Emmerson made a fine save to turn the initial effort away from goal.
However, Cian Donohue reacted faster than the Chevvies defence to get to the loose ball first and score the equaliser.
Within five minutes of the second half getting underway, the game was out of Steeton’s reach.
Two defensive errors capped off a sluggish start to the half and Flixton wasted no time in taking full advantage to wrap up the three points.
Looking to play out of the back, Storton lost control of the ball in a dangerous area.
This allowed Donohue to pounce and tap home his, and his side’s, second of the afternoon to give Flixton the lead for the first time.
Needing to settle and try get themselves back on level terms, the Chevrons in turn presented another goal on a plate and with it took themselves out of the contest.
A long ball over the top was allowed to bounce by those in green.
Keann Shaw tried to recover but misread the balls flight and Aaron Dwyer got in behind the centre half to place the ball into the back of Emmerson’s net.
Comfortable with their two goal advantage, Flixton did little more to threaten the Steeton goal throughout the remainder of the game.
Steeton did create two half chances in an attempt to half the deficit, but Coe saw his header saved well by the Flixton keeper.
Then with ten minutes left, Arley Barnes found a free header inside the Flixton area but could only turn his effort over the crossbar.
A rare free midweek in the calendar now awaits Steeton before a trip to Maine Road next Saturday, allowing Roy Mason some much needed time on the training pitch.
STEETON (Subs): Emmerson; M Smith; Dowden (Salah); Barnes; Shaw; Storton (Armeu); Edmonds (Darko); Spence; Coe; Gonzalez (Abbas); D Smith (Terrelonge).
GOAL (Assist): Storton 28’ (M Smith)
