Elliott strike proves in vain as Liversedge slip to defeat

Liversedge were playing their first game since December 5 and although they played well in patches, defeat leaves them bottom of the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Having seen a host of matches postponed Sedge have only just reached the halfway point in their season and have games in hand on the four clubs immediately above them in the table.

New signing Adam Jones impressed on his debut but Liversedge were dealt a blow when centre back Anthony Hilton was off injured early in the game.

Kieron Watson gave Staveley a seventh minute lead when he was on the end of a neat passing move to produce a clinical finish.

After Liversedge were forced to reshuffle, following Hilton’s injury, they conceded a penalty when Courtney Hastings was fouled in the area and Watson converted from the spot to put the home side in control.

Liversedge created chances towards the end of the first half and had a penalty appeal turned down when another new signing, Mark Lumb, appeared to be pulled back.

Sedge did manage to pull a goal back before the hour mark through Max Elliott and they continued to have the better of play and almost equalised when a shot struck the crossbar.

Liversedge continued to pile on the pressure but a mistake allowed Staveley to counter attack and Watson completed his hat-trick in the 78th minute to seal his side’s win and condemn the Clayborners to a 14th defeat of the season.

Liversedge now face back-to-back home games as they entertain Athersley Recreation on Saturday and then host high flying Handsworth Parramore next Tuesday (January 26) as they look to climb off the foot of the table before ending the month with a trip to fellow strugglers Parkgate.