Pickering Town 0, Bridlington Town 2

The Pikes were well beaten last night (Tuesday) by newly-promoted Bridlington Town, who have a 100pc record in league and cup matches so far this season. On this showing, they look a good bet for league honours, being a team with a fine blend of youth and experience.

Pickering started brighter as Wash had an effort turned round the post by former Hull City and Scarborough keeper, Gavin Kelly, after just two minutes.

Bridlington came into the game after 15 minutes. Keeper Kevin Martin saved well from Harrison and Thacker. But on 32 minutes, Brid took the lead when an unmarked Palmer scored a fine header in front of the Gazette & Herald stand from Thacker's free-kick.

Danny Brunton almost put his side further in front before the break but his 25-yard effort hit the post and rebounded to safety. Danny Farthing, back in a Pickering shirt for the first time this season, went close but the score remained 1-0 at half-time.

Two minutes after the restart, Martin saved well from Taylor but Brid went further in front on 54 minutes. Harrison converted Brunton's cross from the left with a fine header. Brid now began to dominate. With Pikes' keeper Martin stranded, MacAuley cleared a long range header from Palmer off the line. Lee Harper also nearly scored with a header for Brid against his former club.

In the last 15 minutes, the Pikes came back into the game. Richard Dale had two 30-yard efforts saved, Joe Connor shot wide and Ben Rhodes also missed the target from inside the box.

With no goals in three home games, a lack of goals is a major concern for the Pikes right now.

Despite his side's defeat, Pikes boss Steve Brown was much happier with his side's performance compared with the one against Hallam four days earlier.

"We played well and I was pleased. Bridlington are in a great vein of form at the moment. The application and attitude was there, which was sadly missing on Saturday."

Brown said he was considering introducing some new faces to the first team squad from the reserves now that their season has started.

Pickering Town 0,

Hallam 2

Hallam earned their first victory of the season at Mill Lane on Saturday in a game of few chances.

The Pikes' best chance of the first half fell to Adam Wash, who hit the crossbar. Hallam took the lead after 63 minutes through Scott Bates after good work by Alex Naylor. Matt Clarke added a second after 74 minutes following impressive work by John Tesh.

Pikes team: Martin, Collins (Dale 68 mins), Connor, Thornton, O'Reilly, Willgrass, Rhodes, MacAuley (Beech 75 mins), Wash, Wood, Dickinson (Crawford).

The Pikes visit Brigg Town on Saturday (3pm), followed by a game at home to Sheffield (7.45pm) on Tuesday.

Pickering Town ground development committee are holding a quiz night, run by Roland Pell, at the Pickering Recreation Club on Sunday, September 15, at 8.30pm. Teams should have four members. Entry is £1, payable on the night.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, September 11, 2002