In what was already the third meeting between the two sides this season, Campion produced an excellent first-half performance to establish a two-goal advantage before Frickley fought back strongly after the interval.

Following Saturday's disappointing Bradford derby defeat to Thackley AFC, the three points were particularly important for Lee Ashforth's side.

Campion started brightly and, for the first time this season, fielded a centre-back pairing of Jamie Allsop and Matty Nebard — two players who formed an excellent partnership last season.

There was an early scare for the hosts when Corey Billy, deputising at right-back following Harry Parsons' departure to Keighley Town, was booked inside just two minutes for a rash challenge on Frickley left-back Favour Omoruyi. Campion dealt comfortably with the resulting free-kick, however, and quickly settled into the contest.

The breakthrough arrived on 15 minutes.

Returning striker Mark Ferguson produced some excellent work to create the opportunity before debutant Luke Jeffreys produced a fine finish to send Campion into an early lead.

And barely a minute later, the hosts doubled their advantage.

Paddy Sykes relentlessly closed down Frickley goalkeeper Harold Edjangue and was rewarded when he dispossessed the keeper before keeping his composure to place the ball into an empty net from a tight angle.

Campion continued to threaten and had opportunities to extend their lead before the interval, but Frickley stood firm to ensure they remained within touching distance at half-time.

The visitors knew the next goal would be crucial and it was Frickley who came out strongly after the break.

On 51 minutes, winger Elliot Andrew bundled his way through the Campion defence before calmly placing his shot beyond goalkeeper Luke Wilson to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

The goal lifted Frickley's confidence and changed the momentum of the contest, but Campion responded in style.

On 58 minutes, debutant Jeffreys delivered an excellent ball into the box which was met by Sykes. The Campion skipper cushioned his header down perfectly into the path of Mark Ferguson, who made no mistake with the finish.

It was a special moment for Ferguson, who marked his return to the club with his first goal since coming back to Campion.

At 3-1, the hosts looked to push for a fourth and kill the game off, but Frickley continued to pose a threat.

And on 65 minutes, Campion were punished for an unfortunate mistake.

Skipper Joe Mitchell played a high back pass towards Wilson, but the Campion goalkeeper scuffed his attempted clearance. Andrew reacted quickest, controlling the loose ball before producing an audacious lob over Wilson to score his second of the evening and make it 3-2.

The remainder of the contest became increasingly tense.

Campion will feel they dominated the first half, while Frickley can certainly claim to have controlled large periods of the second. Ultimately, though, the hosts will know they made life considerably harder for themselves by gifting their opponents two goals.

Despite that, there was plenty to admire about Campion's defensive resilience in the closing stages as they battled valiantly to keep Frickley at bay.

The final whistle was met with relief and delight as Campion secured a vital three points and bounced back from Saturday's derby defeat.

There were plenty of positives to take, too, with debutant Luke Jeffreys making an immediate impact, Ferguson finding the net on his return, Sykes continuing to lead from the front and the Allsop-Nebard partnership looking solid at the heart of the defence.

Final Score: Campion AFC 3-2 Frickley Athletic

NEXT UP: THE FA VASE

Campion's attention now turns to cup football as they welcome Boldon CA FC to the Anytime Couriers Stadium in the FA Vase Second Round Qualifying Round.

The visitors arrive from the EBAC Northern League Division One and will provide another stern test for Ashforth's side.

After returning to winning ways, Campion will be hoping to carry that momentum into the Vase.