The teams battled difficult conditions caused by Storm Boelo, as Steeton sought revenge for their 5-0 defeat on the opening day in August.

Manager Roy Mason felt a share of the points was the fairest result after his side recovered from a slow start.

Daisy Hill controlled much of the first half and created several chances, but Steeton goalkeeper Brad Emmerson kept the visitors out with a series of saves.

His best stop came when a Daisy Hill player met a free header inside the area. The effort appeared certain to go in, but Emmerson used a strong palm to push the ball away.

The visitors took the lead midway through the half in controversial circumstances.

Daisy Hill were awarded a free-kick just inside their own half, although the ball was around ten yards from the place where the foul had been given.

Despite the ball moving, the referee allowed the visitors to take the free-kick quickly. Will Shawcross went through unchallenged and finished inside the near post.

Steeton protested immediately, but the referee allowed the goal to stand.

The hosts drew level shortly before half-time, against the run of play.

Marley Spence won possession in the Daisy Hill half and passed to Joe Edmonds. The winger exchanged passes with Macca Smith before sending a cross into the area.

Kevin Gonzalez, despite being closely marked and facing away from goal, rose to win the header. His effort travelled across Daisy Hill goalkeeper Harry Allen and went inside the far post.

Steeton began the second half with greater purpose.

Adam Terrelonge found space down the left, but Josh Coe and Gonzalez were unable to convert chances created by his deliveries.

The main incident followed when Terrelonge played a through ball to Gonzalez.

The striker was running through on goal as the last man when Sam Corbishley pulled him down from behind on the edge of the area.

Steeton expected a red card, but the referee showed Corbishley a yellow. The decision caused anger among the home side.

Mason later admitted he was bemused that Daisy Hill were not reduced to ten men.

The referee was involved in another disputed decision moments later. Allen jumped to collect a cross, but his knee struck Edmonds in the face.

The midfielder could not continue, yet the referee awarded Daisy Hill a free-kick.

Steeton nearly won the match when Smith’s free-kick came off Coe and fell to captain Arley Barnes. His shot struck the post.

Daisy Hill had two late chances, but Emmerson made another important save and Nathan Storton blocked a further effort to ensure the points were shared.