THORNTON-LE-DALE jumped from fifth to joint second in division one of the newitts.com Beckett League thanks to a 5-0 home with over Bagby & Balk.

Rivals Bagby boast a better goal difference but Thornton-le-Dale, who turned in their best performance of the season, have four games in hand.

In the only top flight game to go ahead, Dale played at a high tempo with some fine passing football.

Two early chances were missed before Simon King scored on 11 minutes and, after 20 minutes, a Nic Wilkinson corner saw David Elliot rise above everyone to head his side into a two-goal lead.

On the stroke of half-time, a Bagby & Balk player lobbed the home keeper but the ball went just over the crossbar.

In the second half, Thornton-le-Dale continued to dominate and, after 49 minutes, a superb lob by Wilkinson beat the Bagby keeper.

On the hour mark, King scored his second goal to make it 4-0 and, nine minutes from time, Tim Hunt made a brilliant run down the wing and his excellent cross found Luke Clemmit to round off the scoring.

Craig Sunley was Dale's man of the match, closely followed by the impressive King, while Danny Alderson was Bagby's top performer.

The game between Union Rovers and Ryedale SC Res was postponed.

Wombleton Wanderers continue to lead the division with six wins in six outings. Bagby and Thornton-le-Dale are two points behind.