ADAM SMITH sent Steeton on their way to the West Riding Challenge Trophy final with a stunning second half header at the County FA's Woodlesford ground on Wednesday.

On a summer-like evening the Summerhill Lane team found it tough going in the early stages after Churwell Lions scored a soft goal.

But after the break Steeton really turned on the style to run away with a 6-1 victory.

Churwell were allowed a free header from a corner which was comfortably headed home in the opening minutes of the game and Steeton had to endure a string of dangerous attacks with little to show in reply.

But as they soaked up the pressure the extra fitness of the youthful team began to take its toll.

"We were terrible in the first half, they weren't even playing at 50 per cent of their ability -- and I gave them a real roasting at half time," said manager Jez Fay.

His 'team talk' certainly did the trick. The young players started to take advantage of the wide County Ground pitch.

Smith soared above the static Churwell defence to put Steeton back on level terms after six minutes - and his goal opened the flood gates.

Four minutes later Damian Whiteoak added a second which left the Churwell defence chasing shadows. As the young Steeton team grew in confidence the Churwell side's resolve collapsed.

James Gill was left to walk the ball past the keeper for his side's third goal and Jamie Longley blasted a long range effort past the hapless keeper. Seconds later Longley hit the post.

The game became completely one-way traffic after the fourth goal took any hint of fight out of the Lions and the travelling Steeton fans called for the mauling to continue.

James Gill slotted his second, and also followed up by smashing a shot off the crossbar.

The final goal was prodded home by substitute Daniel Gaudiosi after a goalmouth scramble.

"The second half was a completely different performance and one the team can be really proud of.

"We are always slow to start, but if other teams don't kill us off early - we don't get killed off," Fay said.

The tireless James Gill was one of the stars of the victory, scoring two goals to secure Steeton's place in the final on Friday, April 26.

They will play the winners of Rawdon Old Boys and Hunsworth who play their semi-final next Wednesday.

But tonight (Friday) it is the turn of Silsden to take their place in the limelight when they take on Askern Miners Welfare in the semi-final of the Challenge Cup (kick-off 7.30). The game is also being played at the County FA's Woodlesford ground.