NCEL Premier Division

Pickering Town 0

Sheffield 1

A WEAKENED Pikes team slumped to their fifth successive defeat last night, leaving them without a point at home this season.

With several regulars missing, including Willgrass, Wash, Wood and O'Reilly, the Pikes had a youthful look about them. Ben Rhodes set up Ryan Crawford for the game's first chance but keeper Bonnington saved. Sheffield began to control things, as Pikes' passes went astray.

Pickering man of the match Kevin Martin made a superb tip over from a 30-yard effort from Higgingbottom after 19 minutes. Sheffield's Bagshaw had an effort cleared off the line by Dickinson and was then denied again by another brilliant save by Martin.

The only goal of the game was missed by many spectators, coming just 50 seconds after the restart. Bray beat Jody Chapman and Dickinson to slot home in front of the Gazette & Herald stand. Sheffield continued to hold the upper hand, as Schofield hit the Pikes' upright with a fine header.

In the last ten minutes, Town came into the game as they searched for an equaliser. MacAuley, in his last game before he goes travelling, sent Crawford away to cross for Greening to head wide. Chapman had an effort blocked on the line and Dickinson saw a 25-yard shot go wide.

Boss Steve Brown said: "We had a lot of possession and had chances, but nothing seemed to roll for us, as is the case when you're near the bottom.

"We have some great young lads at the club and we are building for the future but we need retain our status. It's a time for old heads at the moment." Brown added that he was planning to bring in a defender and an attacker to the club.

Last Saturday, the Pikes went down 2-1 at Brigg Town. Brigg took the lead midway in the first half after a mistake by Joe Connor.

They equalised on 70 minutes through substitute Ryan Crawford - his first goal for the senior side. He latched onto a superb through ball from Chris Kamara, nephew of the former league player with the same name, and scored with a 12-yard right foot shot under the keeper.

Brigg hit back in the 79th minute when Jody Chapman failed to clear the ball and Craig Stone capitalised, giving Martin no chance. On Saturday, the Pikes have a reorganised home league game against third-placed Goole Town. On Tuesday, they are at home again to Brodsworth MW.

Pickering reserves won 2-1 at home to Rossington Main with goals from Andy Crawford and Joe Greening. Steve Baxter, Paul Hodgson and Carl Cooke all impressed.

Pickering Town will entertain Thackley tomorrow night (Thursday) in this season's FA Youth Cup (kick-off, 7.30pm). This is the first time the Pikes have ever entered a side in the competition. The competition is for players under the age of 18.

Updated: 09:53 Wednesday, September 18, 2002