NCEL Premier Division. Pickering Town 3, Buxton 1 - PICKERING Town's survival hopes were given a great boost last Saturday with a win against fifth-placed Buxton, while other teams around them dropped points. The Pikes were full value for their third win in four league games this year, coming against a side who were unbeaten in their previous five games.

At the end of a dull first half, Matthew Morton had an effort cleared off the line by Paul Wood with the keeper beaten. But minutes later in stoppage time, Morton was not to be denied, scoring with a brilliant diving header from a Gavin Dickinson cross. Within 20 seconds of the second half, the Pikes' Alex Willgrass almost scored. Ten minutes later, Buxton's Alex Callery crossed for Caine Cheetham, who missed an easy chance.

The Pikes increased their lead on the hour mark when Kevin Martin threw the ball out to Ricky Greening on the left wing. The youngster, on as a sub for the injured Adam Wash, sprinted 75 yards, beating three Buxton players, before dribbling round the Buxton keeper and coolly slotting home for a brilliant solo goal. And he grabbed his second eight minutes later. Mark Wood won the ball on the halfway line, supplied the ball to Greening, who, after a 'one-two' with Willgrass, ran on and scored with a well-struck shot from 12 yards.

Buxton hit back from the spot through Carl Holmes after 74 minutes after Danny Farthing had tripped Mark Reed. Cheetham, Kevin Curry, and Reed went close for Buxton but Pickering held out for three vital points.

Boss Steve Brown said: "We played very well in the second half. Ricky Greening made a big impression. He's not been a regular but he's done well in the reserves. He's a popular lad with bags of pace. I've got a decent squad to choose from now which makes a big difference. But this is just a start and it's no use us sitting back."

The Pikes' game at home to Brigg Town last night was cancelled due to a frozen pitch. This Saturday, they visit Glasshoughton Welfare, while the reserves are at home to Selby Town. The reserves drew 1-1 at Ossett Albion last Saturday, going ahead in the first half through Jonathan Beech, with Osset equalising 15 minutes from time.

St Blazey, who beat Pickering in the fourth round of the FA Vase last month, lost 7-1 at AFC Sudbury in a fifth round replay last Saturday.

Updated: 10:07 Wednesday, February 19, 2003