Kirkdale crowned kings of the Beckett League (From Gazette & Herald)

Kirkdale crowned kings of the Beckett League

RJF Homes Beckett League. KIRKDALE United are the new first division champions after beating Duncombe Park 4-1 last Thursday, thanks to two goals from Phil Charlton (including a penalty) and two from sub Johnny Marwood. Andrew Souter had equalised for Park with an unstoppable 35-yard shot before United took control.

The champions followed this up with a spectacular comeback at Sinnington, coming from 3-1 down to win 7-3. Lee Mitchell, Gary Mitchell, and Joseph Turnbull had put the Sinners 3-1 up inside ten minutes, but United went in 5-3 up at the break, thanks to goals from Ian Prendergast, Chris Simpson (2), Phil Charlton and David Charlton. In the second half, Kirkdale added further goals through Phil Charlton (penalty) and Mark Langdale. Oliver Metcalfe won the man of the match award for Kirkdale, while Jonathon Campbell won the Sinnington award. Kirkdale's aim now is the same as Arsenal's - to remain unbeaten in the league all season.

Kirkbymoorside reserves dropped vital points when they lost 1-0 at home to Rosedale, the only goal being a penalty from Ben Adamson after 70 minutes. Man of the match for Rosedale was central defensive king-pin Stuart Dowson. Aaron Rivis won the Moorsiders' award. Last Thursday, Kirkby won 5-2 at Black Swan, Pickering, with goals from Rob McDermid (2), David Smith and Bobby Brewer (2). Mark Ainsworth and Andrew Laidlaw were on target for Swan, whose man of the match award was shared by Steve Sailes and Danny Russell.

Last Thursday, Pickering Royal Oak beat Aislaby Utd 2-0 with goals by man-of-the-match John Appleyard in the first half and Adam Hornby in the second half.

In the second division, eight-man Ampleforth took a great 2-1 win at Ryedale SC reserves. A Dave Wallinger penalty put Ampleforth ahead, only for Ryedale to equalise before half-time with a penalty from Matt Gardner. Wallinger was the hero, though, with a last-minute goal to clinch the match. There could be more good news in the pipeline for the village club, who hope to sign a well-known local player from the Malton area for next season.

Updated: 12:15 Wednesday, April 14, 2004