Northern Counties East League: Arnold Town 0, Pickering Town 2

The Pikes gained revenge against Arnold Town on Tuesday night with their two-goal victory to avenge Arnold's win at Pickering last month.

Matthew Morton fired them into the lead after 10 minutes with an excellent finish from close range after a good build-up in front of a crowd of 110.

Arnold had loads of possession but lacked up front against a determined Pikes defence and some excellent goalkeeping by Carl Silburn.

In the second half, Silburn made an outstanding one-on-one save. Substitute Steve Baxter did well when his effort hit the post and there was some dispute over whether it crossed the goal line or not. The attempt was not given. Minutes later, he had another good effort superbly saved.

Gavin Dickinson hit the post and with six minutes remaining, Baxter flicked the ball to fellow substitute Liam Salt, who raced away, cutting inside the penalty area and unleashing an unstoppable 16-yard shot.

The Pikes can now get their promotion challenge back on song and the win has set up a very interesting game on Saturday against Harrogate Railway.

No such luck for Pickering's reserve team, who lost 1-0 at home to Thackley. They scored just before half time, and the young Pikes missed good chances.

Last Saturday, both teams had to sit inside as the Reserves' home league game with Yorkshire Amateurs was postponed owing to a waterlogged and snowbound pitch.

The first team should have been playing Sheffield, but both home and away games have already been played.

Friday's Heartbeat football game went off without too many problems. The new series of Heartbeat starts this Sunday on ITV, but a date for the transmission of the game filmed on the Pikes' ground on Friday has not yet been given.

Midfielder Brian Sutton has moved to Weymouth, where he made his debut on Saturday. Weymouth play in the Nationwide Conference South and they lost 1-0 at home to Eastbourne Borough.

The Pikes will be at home next Tuesday in the semi-final of the President's Cup to Buxton, who knocked Selby Town out in last week's quarter final game.

On Saturday, the Pikes have a six-pointer on their hands when they will entertain Harrogate Railway, kick off 3pm. Railway are currently third with 10 points more than the Pikes, although they have played four more games.

Sheffield remain fourth, with four points over the Pikes, having played two games more. Shirebrook jumped above the Pikes on Saturday after winning 3-0 away at Hall, but they have played six more games.

Top of the table is Goole, who the Pikes visit on Saturday, March 16. Last Saturday they beat Brodsworth 4-0, and have played five games more than the Pikes with 14 points to separate them. Selby Town, who the Pikes have beaten twice, are second. They have played the same number of games as Goole but are a point down.

Pickering are busy planning their sportsman evening to be held at the Recreation Club, on Thursday, April 7. Tickets are on sale at £15 each and guests will hear Steve Kindon, the ex-Wolves and Burnley star, speak after a buffet dinner. Tickets are available at the Recreation Club or from chairman Tony Dunning on (01751) 472627 or 473697.

The club are still looking for match day sponsors at £70 per game and match ball sponsors at £25 each. They are also urgently looking for people to sponsor a tonne of sand at £20. Contact Tony Dunning for further information.

Updated: 15:28 Wednesday, March 09, 2005