A goal a piece from strikers Strickland and Hollindrake either side of the half saw United claim a hard fought victory on the road.

United headed to Queen Victoria Street looking to build on a comfortable opening day victory.

Whilst confidence was high, a depleted squad were hit again moments before kick off as centre half Elliot Firth had to withdraw from the starting line up with an injury.

A few last minutes adjustments saw reserve team player manager Paul Ambrose come into the defence along with Ruairi Coyle who made his first competitive first team appearance in over 3 years.

Coyle and Ambrose joined Blades and Bullock at the back and were individually and collectively outstanding against a talented opposition lineup.

Settle started slow but limited St Peters to half chances and long range efforts as Arrowsmith commanded his area well.

Mill Hill dominated possession for long periods with United forced to play direct and struggling to get a foothold in the match.

Chances were proving hard to come by for both sides with Carter Brown working the Mill Hill goalkeeper and Strickland’s close range effort proving to be Settle’s best moments in a cagey opening half hour.

United, against the run of play, grabbed the lead moments before the interval. Danny Bathers providing the first moment of real quality as his cross evaded the Mill Hill defence for Strickland to head home his second goal in as many games.

Moments later it should have been two. Captain Will Beckwith, harassing the defence and winning the ball deep in St Peters half, seemed destined to convert but uncharacteristically struck his effort straight at the keeper.

The second half started at a slower pace to the first and it wasn’t long until United doubled their lead. This time it was Carter Brown who turned provider as his strike fell to Hollindrake who was on hand to provide an instinctive finish.

Mill Hill reacted immediately with substitutions and began to look direct in search of a route back into the match.

The home side continued to dominate possession as they forced the issue but United continued to show resilience to wave after wave of attack.

As the game approached the closing stages the home side finally breached United’s defence. St Peters won possession high up the field before the attacker provided a smart finish beyond Arrowsmith.

With the deficit halved a newly invigorated Mill Hill St Peters sought the equaliser but United stood firm to seal the three points.

Settle United: Arrowsmith, Ambrose, Blades, Coyle (Firth 72’), Bullock, Beckwith, Worthington, Bathers, Carter Brown, Strickland, Hollindrake

Subs: Kilburn, Martinkus