DEFENDING newitts.com Beckett League champions Kirkbymoorside reserves kicked off their new campaign with an 8-0 victory over Union Rovers.

The first 35 minutes were even before the pivotal moment came when Rovers, under new manager Paul Holder, were reduced to 10 men after Dean Sleightholme handled on the goal-line.

Further punishment was meted out when the subsequent penalty was converted and Jordan Rivis (3), Alex Strickland (2), Shaun Cox, Josh Butler and man-of-the-match Karl Richardson, pictured right, all netted in the rout.

Midfield pair Nicky Drew and Paul Downes impressed most for Union.

Promoted Wombleton Wanderers edged a five-goal contest against last season’s runners-up, Sinnington, after two Luke Tateson penalties and an effort from man-of-the-match Tom Ellis had put them in the ascendancy.

Lee Mitchell and Toby Edwards replied as the Sinners threatened a comeback with Jon Mitchell their top performer.

Bagby & Balk stormed to a 7-1 success over Rosedale, who are under the guidance of new 21-year-old secretary/manager Alastair Wilkinson.

Man-of-the-match Tom O’Brien struck five times for Bagby with Oliver Brooks adding a penalty and Anthony Hewson also on target.

Tom Bell was the marksman for Rosedale, whose centre-back James Brown played well in defeat.

An unstoppable David Elliott shot into the top corner secured a 2-1 triumph for Thornton-le-Dale five minutes from time at Heslerton.

Dale had earlier forged in front through man-of-the-match Craig Sunley before Joe Schofield levelled the scores on his first-team debut. Left-back Mikey Clarke starred for Heslerton.

Man-of-the-match Scott Simpson hit a first-half hat-trick as Slingsby defeated Ryedale Sports Club reserves 4-2 with Danny Nunwick also on the scoresheet.

Matty Bell and Zeb Rivit got the consolations for Ryedale and veteran skipper Phil Hutchinson stood out in midfield.

In division two, Kirkdale United thrashed Stillington 8-1 with the league newcomers suffering after starting the game with nine men and ending it with ten due to cricket commitments.

Alex Croall set the ball rolling with a penalty and second-half goals from Pal White (2), Rob Galtrey (2), man-of-the-match Glen Forrester, Sean Murray and Yusef Mohamed saw off Stillington, who responded through Wayne Linton.

The margin of defeat could have been greater had keeper Chris Unsworth not been in fine form for the visitors.

Mick Ellis (two) and Josh Hill hit the target in Stainton reserves’ 3-1 win against Pickering Knights, who had equalised earlier through Steve Carter.

Centre-back Dave Pearson was named man of the match with Greg Fawcett shining in Knights’ midfield.

Duncombe Park keeper Will Snowdon saved a Craig Ibbotson penalty to earn his side a 2-1 success at Gillamoor.

Charlie Colley bagged a brace for Park, either side of Andrew Claughton’s equaliser and defender Will Smith was the man of the match.

Union Rovers reserves were 4-3 victors at Thornton-le-Dale reserves thanks to Declan Copland (2), James Milson and an own goal with Calum Holmes taking the man-of-the-match honours.

Dan Blanchard and Jermaine Timms earned Heslerton reserves a 2-2 draw at Brooklyn thirds.

Heslerton’s Dan Agar was named man of the match.