DESPITE being down to 10 men for most of the second period, Cammell Lairds proved to be too strong for the plucky Steels side in a tough UniBond League Division One South encounter at Kirklands.

Laird had the better of the first half with Alex Hay unlucky not to steer home a great Eddie Jebb cross. Shortly after Steels’ keeper Andrew Jefferey did well to block a ferocious Jebb shot. Jefferey was once again the saviour for the Sheffield side with a fine save from Hay.

The hosts took a deserved lead midway through the first half when ever-reliable Ian Cooke rose head and shoulders above the defence to make it four goals in four for him.

Laird continued pressure gave Greg Stones an opportunity to double the lead but Steve Kennedy was up to the job to clear for Steels.

The second goal for Laird came from the spot after Jefferey impeded Joey Gibiliru in the box, Alex Hay converting.

The second half was a closer affair, in part due to the dismissal of Gibiliru for a second yellow following a seemingly innocuous challenge on James Vardy.

This gave hope for Steels supporters who were buoyed when Mark Ward pulled clear in front of goal and made no mistake.

As is often the case at Kirklands, it was false hope for the visitors as the Laird’s back four held strong.

CAMMELL LAIRD: Whitfield, Sheehan, Lynch (c), Gibiliru, S Jones, Collins, Jebb (Nezianya 80), Stones, Cooke (G Jones 57), Hay, Adamson. Sub: Brookes.