TWO front-running sides in the Beckett League first division came unstuck against second division opposition last Saturday in cup competitions.

Rosedale were comprehensively beaten 4-1 at home by Thornton-le-Dale in the Ryedale Hospital Cup first round, despite taking a sixth minute through Shaun Bailey. Dale's Mike Lealman then took control of the game, scoring all four goals for the visitors. He equalised after 18 minutes with a 35-yard shot, before putting his side ahead minutes later following good work by Craig Barnes and Martin Welford.

He completed his hat-trick with a penalty after he had been brought down on the stroke of half-time. His fourth came seven minutes from time to give his side a memorable giant-killing victory. William Balderson and Andrew Spittlehouse impressed for Dale, whilst David Gillies was Rosedale's man of the match.

In the Gordon Harrison Memorial Trophy, holders Kirkdale United fell at the first hurdle this season, going down 4-2 at second division Pickering, Royal Oak. Alex McCrae twice nearly put Oak ahead, hitting the woodwork and having an effort cleared off the line. But the home side's pressure paid off when Damon Cox scored before the interval.

Kirkdale went 2-1 up in the second half through Philip Marwood and Martin Charlton, but Oak drew level through a superb Adam Hornby equaliser. In the last 15 minutes, Oak won the game, thanks to two more goals from Cox, who picked up his hat-trick and the man of the match award. Philip Marwood impressed for Kirkdale.

Also in the Memorial Trophy, Amotherby and Swinton beat Aislaby United 1-0, thanks to a second-half goal by Jonathan Dunning after 70 minutes. Mike Smith was Aislaby's man of the match.

Kirkbymoorside reserves were 7-0 winners over Bagby and Balk 7-0, who battled well in the opening hour before the Moorsiders' fitness told. The Kirkby goals came from Andrew Wilkinson, man of the match Nick Hodgson (2), Chris Hodgson and a second half hat-trick from Andrew Ferguson.

Heslerton reserves beat Coxwold 8-1. Matty Cass opened the scoring for Heslerton, who then hit the woodwork four times before Coxwold equalised through Bobby Pearson. Heslerton man of the match Jerry Field quickly restored his side's lead after good work by Cass.

In a superb first-half performance, Heslerton scored four more goals through Matty Cass, Dave Hornby (2) and Joey Smith. Second half goals followed by Ashley Cooke and Danny Cass.

Updated: 09:53 Wednesday, October 02, 2002