RJF Homes-Beckett League

Aislaby Utd are now fifth in the First Division after a 4-0 home win against local rivals Black Swan, Pickering.

This win could prove to be vital come the end of season for Aislaby as they returned to winning ways with a solid performance. Black Swan started well, with Steve Swales missing a good chance and Simon Dale beating Aislaby keeper Mark Strangeway, only to be denied by Richard Pugh.

Aislaby had Nick Wilkinson going close twice before they took the lead after a Ben Thompson free kick found an unmarked Jason Hodgson in the area and he scored with a fine header. Five minutes later Matthew Smith got Aislaby's second when he broke clear from right back and scored with an unstoppable 25-yard shot.

The second half saw Black Swan start well. Dale came close again, and Strangeway made a great save to stop another Swan player from scoring. Adam Hornby scored Aislaby's third on the hour, and then Kenny Temple got the last when Swan failed to clear the ball. Man of the Match winners were Jason Hodgson and Mark Strangeway (Aislaby), and Rob Beever (Black Swan).

Kirkdale remain in top position after a two-goal home win against Duncombe Park, who defended very well despite goals by Kirkdale's Uyi Ehima and Philip Charlton. Andrew Collier was Kirkdale's Man of the Match.

Union Rovers remain second, four points behind Kirkdale Utd with two games in hand after a slender 2-1 away win at Thornton-le-Dale. On a sticky pitch, the first half was end-to-end. Jeff Quilter went close with a header for the home side. Nick Beech made an excellent save, but a minute before half time Rovers took the lead when Paul Holder scored with a 25-yard free kick.

The second half saw a more determined Thornton-le-Dale side. They went close to drawing level via Mike Lealman and Rob Pye. Beech made another great save at the other end to keep the score at 1-0, but Thornton-le-Dale equalised after 80 minutes. After a Quilter header was handled, Paul Grayson took the penalty kick and level the score.

In stoppage time, Richard Abbey scored after fine work by Glyn Brown and Ian Blanchard. Man of the Match winners were Paul Grayson and Craig Barnes (Thornton-le-Dale), and Paul Holder (Union Rovers).

Sinnington are third after beating Kirkbymoorside Reserves 4-2 to make up for last week's shock defeat. The Moorsiders started well, taking the lead when Rob McDermid scored. At half time, Lee Mitchell scored a fine equaliser for the Sinners.

In the second half, the Sinners took the lead when Dave Wilkinson scored with a brilliant header. McDermid equalised before the Sinners won the game with goals scored by Johny Brown and Lee Allardyce. Man of the Match winners were Lee Allardyce (Sinnington) and Rob McDermid (Kirkbymoorside).

In the Second Division, Ryedale Sports Club closed the gap on leaders Slingsby who were without a game, when they beat Old Malton Thirds 3-2. Ryedale opened the scoring after just five minutes when Phil Hutchinson tapped in a Paul Lakin free kick.

In the second half, George Cooper equalised for Old Malton. But Ryedale soon regained the lead when John Sherwood lobbed Old Malton's keeper from 15 yards for a superb goal. Cooper levelled again, but five minutes later Ryedale won the game when Simon Rouph scored a fine goal. Man of the Match winners were Danny Cooper (Old Malton) and Phil Hutchinson (Ryedale SC).

Gillamoor dented Ampleforth's promotion hopes after beating them 3-1. Ampleforth had taken an early lead when Richard Chilton scored. Gillamoor hit back to lead 2-1 by half time thanks to a brace of goals scored by Lee Nesfield.

In the second half, Gillamoor scored their third goal with a rare goal from player/manager Craig Ibbotson. Man of the Match winners were Craig Ibbotson for Gillamoor, and Dave Wallinger won the Ampleforth award.

Coxwold, the only side who can still catch Ryedale SC in the promotion stakes, beat Union Rovers Seconds 5-1 with goals scored by Jason Sargent, Gavin Watts, and a hat-trick for Paul Holmes. Tom Elkison scored the single goal for Rovers. Man of the Match winners were Paul Holmes (Coxwold), and Paul Clapham (Rovers).

Saturday's games in the First Division include Black Swan, Pickering, against Union Rovers. Rosedale host Kirkdale Utd, Thornton-le-Dale host Kirkbymoorside Reserves, and Duncombe Park will play against Aislaby Utd.

The Second Division League Cup kicks off this week, with first round games between Ampleforth and Gillamoor, Union Rovers Seconds home to Carlton Utd, and St Clement's WMC entertain Norton Utd Res.

Match of the day sees Ryedale SC at home to leaders Slingsby in round two of the League Cup, and Coxwold will entertain Bagby and Balk.

Updated: 10:53 Wednesday, March 16, 2005