LAST Friday evening saw the inaugural Keith Sales Memorial Match, held at Mill Lane, the home of Pickering Town. 

A crowd of over 300 people turned out in respect of the recently deceased Beckett Football League ambassador as local teams Thornton Dale and Sinnington played out an enthralling game. 

Watching on were Keith’s widow Glennis and members of his family. As an added touch, their grandsons Thomas and Jack played for each team. 

After an opening 45 minutes where neither team gave anything away, Sinnington gave themselves an early second-half lead through Jack Balderson. 

And the Sinners soon doubled their advantage with a well-struck effort from distance by Archie Turner.

However, with a little under 20 minutes remaining Thornton halved the deficit, captain Myles Dale firing home after Sinnington could only half clear the danger.

But late drama would follow, as The Dale hit an equaliser through Morgan Elven.

With a penalty shootout looming, Owen Ellis fired home a Thornton third, which proved to be the deciding goal, courtesy of an 18-yard free kick.

The presentation of the Keith Sales Memorial Shield was made by Keith’s son Richard and a collection of buckets on the evening raised over £1,000 for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Sunday would see Thornton Dale collect more silverware as they ran out winners in the returning Jonathan Ward Memorial six-a-side competition held at Heslerton. 

There, the Dale continued their hot streak, beating Kirkdale United Whites by four goals without reply.