SECOND-PLACED Lepton Highlanders and third-placed Hepworth United both started the match with their eyes set firmly on the Division II title and, by the end of the day, their hopes and dreams remained intact.
A close encounter was expected for the noon kick off, and as the cool, damp morning air turned to warm afternoon sunshine, only a single Lepton goal, on 15 minutes, separated the two sides as defences held the upper hand.
The goal came thanks to a half-cleared corner and, as the ball bounced around the area, Johnny Beevers managed to jab the ball into the Hepworth.
The goal was a setback for Hepworth who, until then, had looked the more likely to score, with Chris Sanderson and Dominic Thompson piling pressure on the home defence.
Striker Thompson levelled the scores for the visitors soon after the break but Jordan Preene spoiled Hepworth’s celebrations by restoring the Highlanders advantage within five minutes.
Lepton defenders Will Smith, Johnny Windle and Daniel Murfin were proving impossible to break down as Hepworth went in search of a second equaliser and, when called upon, keeper Will Steel showed a safe pair of hands.
With time running out, Hepworth’s frustration began to show as captain Alex Craddock tried to drive his team forward without success.
But, with just minutes left on the clock, Hepworth finally got the reward their efforts deserved.
A driven corner was met by Craddock, whose volley from eight yards crashed into the Lepton net off the underside of the crossbar.
On this display both sides will have a big say in the destination of the league title.
