NCEL Premier Division - Pickering Town 2, Arnold Town 1. THE Pikes recorded their second successive league win last Saturday to climb into sixth position, completing their first-ever league double against Arnold.

They needed to come from behind after the visitors had taken an interval lead. After 43 minutes, a right-wing 50-yard pass from David Wilkins found an unmarked Graham Purdy, who turned on the edge of the Pikes' area and shot low and hard into the bottom corner, giving keeper Kevin Martin no chance. Just five minutes earlier Arnold skipper Jon Boulter had crossed for David Wilkins to head over the bar from close range.

For the Pikes, Ricky Greening went close twice early on and Alex Willgrass put an 18-yard shot just wide but, it was a poor first half, with defences on top.

Pickering improved in the second half and got a deserved equaliser after 52 minutes. Arnold keeper Lee Broster tipped a 35-yard shot from Matthew Morton onto the post after the Pikes' player had made a super 30-yard sprint, beating two players. But Gavin Dickinson nodded into the net.

After the goal, the Pikes introduced John Ellwood for the injured Peter Vasey. Within a couple of minutes, Ellwood was forced into action when he blocked a goal-bound shot from Purdy. The Pikes should have taken the lead after 56 minutes. A well-struck Joe Connor free-kick was headed across goal by Rob Eeles for Mark Wood to shoot over from close range.

The home side took the lead after 66 minutes. Arnold conceded a needless penalty when a defender pushed Danny Brunton to the floor with the ball going nowhere. Alex Willgrass fired the Pikes in front with a well-placed penalty into the bottom corner.

On 72 minutes, Ricky Greening's effort was blocked by Brett Williams, the former Nottingham Forest player, who played in the League Cup final defeat against Manchester United in 1992. Arnold's keeper made a great save to prevent Adam Russell scoring after 85 minutes. In the last three minutes, Arnold twice went close.

Pikes assistant-boss Shaun McGinty said: "We had quite a bit of possession in the first half, but we lacked the final pass. In the second half, Matthew Morton's bravery and commitment seemed to inspire others. As ever, Gavin Dickinson was on hand to score. He is like solid gold at the moment."

The Pikes were due to play a rearranged fixture with Eccleshill Utd last night at Mill Lane, but the game was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Pickering visit Harrogate Railway this Saturday, before entertaining Hallam next Tuesday (kick-off 7.45pm).

The club are holding a fundraising event on Wednesday, March 10, at the Recreation Club when Roy Evans, the former Liverpool manager, will be present along with John Cattaneo. There will also be an auction. Tickets, priced at £7.50, are obtainable from Tony Dunning's butcher's shop, Bridge Street, Pickering, the Recreation Club and the Derwent Arms, Norton.

Pickering's ground is the venue for a schoolboys' cup final tomorrow (Thursday). Stokesley School will take on Tadcaster Grammar School in the under-13s Coca-Cola/ESFA National Schools County Cup (kick-off, 6pm).

Updated: 10:09 Wednesday, February 25, 2004