Eccleshill United 3 Hallam 1

It was a result they had to work for but it was one that established Eccleshill United as genuine title contenders as they brushed Hallam aside at Plumpton Park.

There was a bit of a sting in the tail, with the Hallam players reacting badly to the frustration they had endured throughout the afternoon.

One of them allegedly spat at United's Andy Philp and the incident somewhat soured what should have been a celebration for the home side.

Industrious midfielder Scott Broughton had put them in front with a strike midway through the first half.

He added a second goal in the 54th minute and young striker James Hanson netted to make it 3-0 in the 70th.

Hallam snatched a consolation eight minutes from time but it was events at the final whistle that dominated the post-match assessment.

United manager Steve Watson was disgusted, saying: "One of their players who had come on as a late substitute did something that I find unacceptable and I will not put up with that kind of behaviour.

"It has been reported to the referee and as far as I understand, it will be included in his report so whoever it was will not be getting away with it.

"It was a shame because I thought the ref did a very good job overall in difficult circumstances.

"It was a bit of a battle, the conditions were very bad. The wind and the rain affected the game and the playing surface wasn't the best after the weather during the week.

"It must have been a difficult game to control for the officials."

Watson was pleased with the way his side sustained their performance over 90 minutes.

"From our part, I thought the players did well. It was an excellent win, we carried on where we left off at Pickering Town the previous Saturday," he added.

"I told the lads at half-time that games are not won over 45 minutes and they needed to put the same effort in after the break."