Go back to February and there were real doubts as to whether Worsbrough Bridge would even finish the season. Fast forward to July and you find the club on the up again.

Bridge have an enthusiastic management team, committed players, plus a growing band of volunteers behind the scenes. The friendly against Evo Stik League side Stocksbridge could not have gone much better.

The large crowd of roughly 100 were treated to a blood and thunder encounter, which was full of goals and drama.

The initial outlook appeared bleak for Bridge as their former manager Chris Hilton’s Stocksbridge hit the front-foot through two early goals from Joe Lumsden and Liam McFadyen.

What happened next has to bode well for Worsbrough for the new season. The dangerous Brad Kerr forced a way back for them with a neat lobbed strike from 25-yards.

The equaliser soon arrived in a fortunate way, although Bridge will say that they were due a bit of luck. Stocksbridge defender Connor Griffin did the home side a favour by heading past his own goalkeeper.

Arguably Worsbrough should have led at the interval as Kerr hit the woodwork twice.

The first half also had two long delays. Veteran assistant referee Mick Bell was stretchered off, leading to teenage Worsbrough stalwart Derren Trevy taking his place – the young lad’s third job of the night after doing the gate and raffle. Trevy has now filled nearly every position at Worsbrough, apart the manager and chairman’s roles.

The second break was caused by Stocksbridge’s goalkeeper accidentally pulling down one of the nets.

Stocksbridge came strong in the second half and soon took control against tiring Bridge. Scott Ruthven’s header placed them back in front before midfielder Harrison Biggins sealed it for the Steels with a superbly-taken penalty, after Lee Garside had handled.

Stocksbridge ran out as the victors, but Worsbrough will take great pride from their performance and their organisation off-the-field.