WHITBY Town suffered a 4-0 defeat at Evo-Stik League premier division leaders Skelmersdale United.

Whitby were well beaten despite the home side losing keeper Martin Pearson to injury, with full-back Peter Wylie taking over in goal and keeping a clean sheet.

Skelmersdale scored twice in each half in a game they controlled. James Short opened the scoring five minutes before half-time and, two minutes later, Connor McCarthy doubled the lead.

In the second half, further goals were scored by Dan Mitchley, after 54 minutes, and man of the match McCarthy.

On Saturday at 3pm, Whitby host ninth-placed Stourbridge, who were 3-0 winners at home to Kings Lynn Town last weekend.