BAD weather wrecked the fixture programme in the newitts.com Beckett League – but could not prevent Kirkbymoorside strengthening their grip on the division one title race.

The Moorsiders were worthy 5-0 winners at Duncombe Park in a bottom-versus-top clash – the game being abandoned after 75 minutes by Norton referee Malcolm Lloyd due to the worsening conditions, but with the result standing as the minimum of 70 minutes was played.

The result opened up an 11-point gap at the top, although second-placed Sinnington have two games in hand.

Kirkby opened the scoring after 15 minutes when a Lee Nesfield left-wing corner found an unmarked Daryl Rivis who headed home superbly.

Josh Butler doubled the lead after good work by Jack Dowson down the right and an excellent cross.

The Moorsiders got well on top in the second half with further goals by Jason Brown, latching onto a superb through ball, Jordan Rivis, with a 12-yard left-foot volley, and Dowson, after fine work by Daryl Rivis.

Dowson’s strike was the goal of the game, reported Moorsiders player-manager Andrew Ferguson.

Park’s men of the match were Ben Richmond and Fergus Ward.

Left-back Daryl Rivis won the Kirkbymoorside reserves award.

Rillington Athletic reserves, who are next to bottom in division two, obtained a deserved point when they drew 2-2 at home to leaders Kirkdale United.

Rillington had the better of the first period but with Kirkdale defending well, didn’t take the lead until the last minute of the half when full-back Rob Stevenson scored with an unstoppable 25-yard free-kick.

Youngster Jordan Horsley scored on the hour mark to double Rillington’s lead, thanks to a fine piece of skill. He received the ball, took it down well and hit his shot early.

This goal jolted Kirkdale into action, and they came back well.

James Magson scored after 78 minutes and two minutes later Luke Walton equalised.

In the closing minutes Kirkdale thought they had sneaked victory through Mark Bradnal but Rillington goalkeeper Lewis Smith produced a save of the season contender.

Stevenson and Kirkdale midfielder Paul White were the men of the match.

Snainton reserves switched their Panasonic League Division Two Cup tie to opponents Union Rovers 2nds’ pitch but still won 3-1 thanks to a much-improved all-round team performance which pleased player-manager Dan Bateson.

Snainton took the lead after 25 minutes through Josh Ealancius’ fine goal.

Union Rovers equalised after 65 minutes through Shane Olley, but within a couple of minutes Snainton were back in front thanks to a goal by Mick Ellis, who then scored a second 10 minutes from the end.

The men of the match were Billy Sullivan, playing at left-back for Snainton, and Union ’keeper Ian Fraser.

In the second round, Snainton reserves will host Wombleton Wanderers.

The other quarter-final games are: Norton United v Slingsby or Heslerton reserves, Thornton-le-Dale reserves v Kirkdale United or Easingwold Town 3rds, and Settrington v Pickering Knights.