RJF Homes-Beckett League:

Seven league and cup games survived the wintry weather on Saturday. These included re-arranged games, and games switched because of pitch problems on the scheduled home ground.

The second semi-final of the Ryedale Hospital Cup saw Kirkbymoorside Reserves beat Black Swan, Pickering 2-1 to join Union Rovers in the final, which is to be played next month.

As their first team game was postponed, a strong Moorsiders side had two early chances missed by Chris Hodgson and Rob McDermid. The Moorsiders took the lead after eight minutes when a long through-ball by Daryl Rivis found McDermid, who chased into the penalty area and scored.

The Moorsiders had good possession but the last 10 minutes of the half saw Black Swan come into the game. Midway in the second half, Black Swan manager Kevin Wilson changed his side's formation and within minutes, they were level when Matthew Smith shot home from 15 yards.

The Moorsiders regained the lead after 79 minutes when Aaron Rivis scored with a 25-yard right wing cross which went into the top corner for an unstoppable winning goal, and a place in the Ryedale Hospital Cup final. Man of the Match winners were Moorsider's Andrew Ferguson and Simon Dale for Black Swan, Pickering.

In Division One, Rosedale switched their game to Thornton-le-Dale to get a game in and then lost 3-1, putting a major dent into their 'Top Four' ambitions.

The very heavy pitch meant a goal-less first half as both teams struggled with the conditions. The second half saw Thornton-le-Dale take the lead on the hour mark. A good inter-passing move between Mark Aconley, John Darlison and Paul Grayson saw a shot come back off Rosedale keeper Adrian Dowson for Mike Lealman to score a fine goal from close range.

Rosedale were back on level terms after 68 minutes with a well-taken penalty by John Tindal. The game became end-to-end, with both teams being denied chances.

Thornton-le-Dale, who mastered the conditions better than Rosedale, won with two late goals, one by Aconley after 88 minutes with a low shot into the bottom corner. The other was deep into stoppage time when, a Rosedale defender diverted the ball into his own goal. Man of the Match winners were Tom Atkinson (Thornton-le-Dale), and Ben Tyreman and Richard Dunn (Rosedale).

Sinnington's quest for league honours took a turn for the worse as they were beaten 3-2 at home by Duncombe Park, who moved off the bottom spot. Duncombe stunned the hosts by taking a two-goal lead in the first 15 minutes thanks to Lee Otterburn goals. His first was followed by a Craig Newton corner, and his second goal five minutes later was a shot from 10 yards after good work by Nick Allenby.

The Sinners came back and drew level before half-time, thanks to a brace of goals scored by defender Rob Atkinson. The second half was end-to-end. The Sinners had injuries to key players Lee Allardyce and Andrew Hall.

But Duncombe Park's match winner was scored midway in the half and saw Otterburn complete his first hat-trick in senior football when he latched onto a badly-cleared corner and scored. Man of the Match winners were Paul Harland (Sinnington) and Nigel Wright (Duncombe Park).

Aislaby Utd and Union Rovers re-arranged a league game as the games at Kirkdale and Heslerton were postponed. A very entertaining game developed in sticky conditions, which ended 0-1 for Rovers. Aislaby were boosted by the debut of ex-Pickering Royal Oak player Terry Davison and Damon Cox, whose game with Kirkbymoorside was postponed.

The game was settled midway in the second half when Rovers beat Aislaby's offside trap, allowing Pete Tiffany to score the match winner. Cox, Jason, Hodgson and Davison all had good chances saved by keeper Mick Norman. Man of the Match winners were John Appleyard (Aislaby) and Glyn Brown (Rovers).

This win lifts Rovers into second place, four points behind Kirkdale Utd with two games in hand. The sides will meet at the ground in Norton next month.

In Division Two, Coxwold switched their game to a home fixture for Bagby and Balk. Despite Coxwold having only 10 men, they won 2-0 thanks to a brace of goals scored by Rob Proudley in the first half. In the second half, Coxwold were awarded a penalty which was taken by Adrian Leckenby but was saved by Bagby and Balk's impressive keeper Tommy Hunter. Man of the Match winners were Hunter (Bagby and Balk) and Proudley (Coxwold).

St Clement's WMC were shell shocked when Ampleforth visited their York-based ground and fully deserved their 5-0 away win. A brace of first half goals came from Matt Petch, Dave Wallinger scored two in the second and 16-year-old Kai Morley got a lone shot. Man of the Match winner was Matt Warriner (Ampleforth).

Slingsby increased their lead after a 3-0 home win against fifth-placed Gillamoor. Slingsby won with second half goals by Dave Allan, Fraser Land, and an own goal. Man of the Match winners were Mike Connell (Slingsby), and Mark Milestone and James Blacklock shared Gillamoor's award.

This week's games include the Division One local derby between Aislaby Utd and Black Swan, Pickering. Another local derby will see Kirkdale Utd entertain Duncombe Park. In Division Two, Ryedale SC have a difficult away game at Old Malton Thirds who are a much better side than their league position suggests.

Updated: 15:31 Wednesday, March 09, 2005