DAVID Elliot’s brace helped Thornton-le-Dale take over as leaders of the newitts.com Beckett League first division following a 3-0 victory over Bagby & Balk.

Thornton got off to a bright start when Tom Sigsworth hit the bar with a third-minute free kick before Elliot claimed the first goal with his head.

Adding a second on 80 minutes, Elliot went close to a hat-trick when he hit a post but man-of-the-match Tim Hunt went on to complete the win when he fired through a crowded penalty box.

Stuart Winter, Darren Bell and Martin Kendall were the pick of Bagby’s players.

Union Rovers dropped to second in the table after going down 3-0 to Kirkbymoorside reserves, who must now be considered favourites to retain their league title.

Man-of-the-match Jason Brown struck twice after Tony Barnett had opened the scoring from the penalty spot.

Defender Lee Dunning was Rovers’ top performer but the Moorsiders are now five points adrift of leaders Thornton with five games in hand.

Kirkdale United led twice through Andrew Cavanagh and Martin Grayson before going down 5-2 at home to Sinnington, who had David Wilkinson (2), man-of-the-match Wayne Moon (2) and Stuart Wilkinson on the scoresheet. Keeper Tony Dodds starred in goal for Kirkdale.

Despite being 2-0 down and having Stuart Dowson sent off, Rosedale recovered to beat Heslerton by the odd goal thanks to efforts from man-of-the-match Andy Kennedy from midfield, Martin Foxton and Kyle Clacherty.

Chris Bell was also red carded for Heslerton, for whom right-winger Mikey Clark starred, when the scores were level at 2-2.

Gillamoor overcame Norton United 5-1 with Lee Nesfield (2), Jack Dawson, Danny Butterworth and Craig Ibbotson the marksmen and Grant Kiddle the man of the match.

Will Spowart got Norton’s consolation and was his side’s star man.

In division two, Union Rovers seconds stayed top after overcoming Aislaby United 3-2 with Phil Smith, Richard Abbey and Kingsley Daffern on target.

Dave Cottle and Oliver Grayson netted for Aislaby, who had Sam Chapman in fine form.

Union centre-back Chris Cook was man of the match.

Sam Appleton scored four times and was sent off but still picked up the man-of-the-match honours in Gillamoor reserves’ 5-1 victory over Rillington Athletic reserves.

Gillamoor’s other goal was provided by Josh Tateson with Lee Oxendale replying from the spot for Rillington, whose Richard Legard shone.

Bottom-of-the-table Heslerton reserves beat Duncombe Park 2-0 thanks to Nick Bell and Tom Harrison, as well as the man-of-the-match efforts of Mick Schofield. Scott Plowman was Park’s best player.

Pickering Knights triumphed 4-1 against Amotherby & Swinton thirds with Rowan South, Tom Ward, Ashley Walker and Greg Fawcett netting.

An own goal by man-of-the-match George Trousdale was responsible for Amotherby’s reply, with Danny Foxton their top performer.

Paul Cook and Declan Copelan secured a 2-1 win for Slingsby at Huntington, who responded through Peter Webster.

Slingsby’s man-of-the-match award was shared between Sean Keefe and keeper Mick Norman, while central-midfielder Aaron Rose stood out for Huntington.