JAMIE HARPER was the hero as Kirkdale United leapfrogged Gillamoor into third place in the newitts.com Beckett League second division.

Playing against his former club, Harper hit a hat-trick to win the game 3-2.

Kirkdale started the better with the home keeper Adam Durrant making two good early saves, and also being happy to see a Harper shot from distance go wide.

However, Gillamoor took the lead after 16 minutes, Tom Skelton scoring with a superb header following a Danny Drake free-kick.

Gills began to move the ball well and they had more of the game for the rest of the first half but rarely threatened Daz O’Grady in the Kirkdale goal, Glen Forrester going closest late on when just unable to take a chance at the far post.

Kirkdale started the second period in determined mood and Harper scored twice in five minutes early on.

It looked they would take the game away from the hosts as Jordan Green and Alex Croall took control in midfield.

However, Gillamoor levelled matters when captain and man-of-the-match Andrew Claughton scored superbly from an acute angle.

The winner came on 69 minutes - Harper completed his treble when hammering home from 20 yards.

Gillamoor pushed for an equaliser but United’s defence held out with skipper phil Ward, Andy Parker and Seam Murray outstanding in defence.

With last week’s leaders, Duncombe Park, without a game, Snainton reserves returned to top spot with a 3-1 win at a much-improved Norton United.

Nick Ellis opened the scoring for Snainton after 30 minutes, with keeper Scott Wardman making a brilliant save to deny Danny Pile an equaliser.

Paul Rennard doubled Snainton’s lead with the last kick of the first half.

Norton came back as Adam Hymas scored a penalty, man-of-the-match midfielder Tom Clement hit a post, and Wardman made another outstanding save.

But two minutes from time a second goal for star man Rennard sealed the result.

Pickering Knights beat Brooklyn 4-0.

Ryan Boyes hit a post early on, and, when Steve Cater did likewise after 37 minutes, Ash Walker tapped in the rebound.

Josh Fawcett scored on 57 minutes from a Cater free-kick, and, in the last 15 minutes, Cater twice intercepted Brooklyn passes at the back to complete the win with two cool finishes.

A weakened Thornton-le-Dale reserves fell 6-1 at home to Settrington reserves, whose marksmen were Frazer Hall (2), Nathan Craine (2), Sam Mills and Richard Cass, skipper Lee Timms assisting with three goals. Hall and Jack Batty were Setty’s men of the match.