LAST season’s treble-winners Rosedale were brought back down to Earth as they began their new Beckett League campaign with a heavy defeat to Thornton le Dale last Wednesday evening.
Rosedale, who had seen somewhat of an unexpected exodus by several of their influential players, nevertheless took an early lead through Dave Wilkinson.
Thornton however would soon reply with Hugh Dale grabbing the equaliser before putting his side ahead, with Morgan Elven adding a third on the stroke of half time.
Myles Dale extended the visitors’ lead on the hour, and it wasn’t long until brother Hugh completed his hat-trick.
Rosedale did have the last word through Jordan Rivis, but that proved to be scant consolation.
Paddy Bernstein was the hosts’ Man of the Match, whilst hat-trick hero Hugh Dale took the plaudits for Thornton.
The Division Two clash between Slingsby and Amotherby & Swinton Reserves also produced six goals.
Again it was the hosts who opened the scoring through Oliver Dade.
Amotherby though replied in style, with newly-appointed captain Alex Croall, Lewis Grainge and Nathan Cross firing them towards what seemed to be a winning start.
Slingsby fought back through Luke Dawson - despite more than a hint of offside - before James Sawdon’s fortuitous effort ended up in the back of the net with two minutes remaining to level the scores.
Amotherby were then indebted to goalkeeper Riley Howe in added time to preserve a point.
Nathan Cross was voted as the Man of the Match for Amotherby.
The only other Division Two tie saw West Pier Reserves travel to Lealholm.
Jake Hamberly gave the hosts the lead midway through the opening half.
But though William Jenkinson equalised for Pier, Sam Russell’s effort ultimately proved the winner for Lealholm, bringing with it the points and Man of the Match accolade.
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