Hallam 2,

Pickering Town 1

DESPITE taking an early lead, the Pikes lost this crucial game. Hallam's win mean they are now level on points with Pickering.

On what is the oldest pitch in the world, Matthew Morton won the ball in midfield and supplied a great through-ball for Adam Wash, who scored with a low 15-yard shot after eight minutes.

Hallam should have equalised after 24 minutes but a superbly-timed tackle on Kerry from Simon Sturdy kept the Pikes ahead.

On the half hour, Phil O'Reilly headed wide from ten yards.

Ten minutes into the second half, Hallam drew level. A cross from the left wing set up Jonathan Froggatt - the grandson of Sheffield Wednesday and England legend Redfern Froggatt, who was present at the match.

After a good save from Pikes' keeper Kevin Martin, Hallam's skipper Tim Willis was sent off after 70 minutes for a late challenge on Alex Willgrass.

The Pikes almost capitalised when, following a great run from Farthing, Wash's shot was superbly saved.

Instead, it was Hallam who got what was a deserved winner through Lee Morris.

Team: Martin, Reid, Connor, Farthing, J Chapman, Sturdy, Morton, O'Reilly (replaced by Wood on 69 minutes), Wash, MacAuley (replaced by Willoughby after 69 minutes) and Dickinson (replaced by Willgrass after 69 minutes).

This Saturday the Pikes face Brigg at home, when the under-11 team will act as ball boys.

Jimmy Reid is hoping to sign defender Peter Vasey from York City and utility player Simon Collins from Garforth Town.

Updated: 11:26 Thursday, March 07, 2002