The Chevrons had twice led during a seven-goal match against the play-off chasers, but Jordan Deer completed his hat-trick from the spot after Harrison Denton went down in the area.

The result ended Steeton’s recent unbeaten league run and denied Roy Mason’s side a point from their longest away trip of the season.

Ashville took the lead inside the first minute when an early corner was not dealt with by the Steeton defence. Will Mountfield struck the second ball into the net.

Steeton appeared to equalise immediately from the restart, but Adam Terrelonge was judged to have handled the ball.

A series of saves from Brad Emmerson kept the visitors in the match before they equalised shortly before the half-hour mark.

Macca Smith played a corner short to Arley Barnes, who sent a first-time effort into the bottom corner.

Steeton then thought they had taken the lead when Alfie Dowden found the net, but the goal was ruled out after Josh Coe was adjudged to be offside.

The visitors did go ahead before half-time through another set-piece routine, however. Smith again found Barnes, who scored his second goal of the afternoon.

Steeton nearly added a third before the interval when Dowden played the ball to Andy Briggs, but a late clearance prevented the striker from scoring.

Ashville levelled soon after the restart.

Steeton lost possession from a throw-in and the hosts worked the ball to Deer, who lifted an effort over Emmerson from distance.

Steeton regained the lead on the hour. Coe won a free-kick 25 yards from goal and struck the ball over the wall to score his 11th goal of the season.

Josh Coe celebrates with skipper Arley Barnes after scoring for Steeton on Saturday (Image: Ian Meachin)

The match remained open, with both sides creating chances as the final score continued to look uncertain.

Ashville were awarded their first penalty when Charlie Rowland was taken off the ball after a coming together inside the area. Deer converted to make it 3-3 with 20 minutes remaining.

The decisive penalty came in injury time. Denton went down inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot.

The decision led to protests from Steeton, with the referee having made several inconsistent decisions during the afternoon.

Emmerson was shown a yellow card for his reaction.

There was a three-minute delay before Deer took the penalty. He converted for the third time to complete his hat-trick and secure the points for Ashville.

Steeton will look to respond when Maghull visit Marley this evening.