Kirkburton AFC overcame Halifax Irish to climb off the bottom of the West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division with a hard- fought 3-2 win.
Burton made the most of the home advantage, playing some of their best football this season, but it wasn’t until the 40th minute that they finally broke the deadlock.
The opener came from player- manager Richard Kettlewell, whose cross deceived young Jonathan Irving in the Irish goal.
Just minutes later Burton almost doubled their lead going into the half-time break but Jordan Tindle’s shot whistled agonisingly wide of the target.
The half-time interval didn’t halt Burton’s momentum, which was evident when Matthew Crookes picked up possession on the right flank, cut inside the opposing defender and unleashed a thunderous shot into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to give his side a two-goal cushion.
But the second goal did spark life into Halifax, who were desperate not to drop more points on the league leaders, Golcar United.
In the 55th minute the away side halved the deficit from a long punt up field which fell to Callum Meade, who finished brilliantly.
Burton were nervy and Halifax started to dominate proceedings as they were very much on the prowl for an equaliser.
Their sustained pressure on the home side’s back line paid off in the 70th minute. Tom Richter’s pass was intercepted by Irish’s Gareth Sherwood, who then played Meade through on goal with a perfect pass and he scored his second to level the scores.
Halifax were expected to kick on and find a winner in the last 20 minutes, but Burton remained resolute, determined not to fall to their eighth defeat of the season.
And it was the home side who were to score the winner in the 80th minute through inspired substitute Tatenda Chitsamba, who slipped the ball under the out-coming keeper to give his side a well-deserved 3-2 win.
Burton’s first win of the campaign moves them up to 13th, one place above Huddersfield YMCA.
