Sheffield 0, Pickering Town 4

THE Pikes were good value for their four-goal victory at the oldest club in the world - a win which gained revenge for their first defeat of the season at home to Sheffield back in October.

The win sets up a big home clash against leaders Alfreton Town this Saturday, which could see the Pikes go top.

Within 40 seconds, the Pikes could have taken the lead when Gavin Dickinson combined well with Stephan Zoll to set-up Adam Wash but Sheffield's Lee Vernon cleared off the goal line with the keeper beaten. But they did not have to wait long for their first goal.

After just four minutes, Tom Reid and Matthew Morton combined well down the right wing for Adam Wash to score from close range with a simple tap-in.

After 11 minutes Willgrass found Dickinson in the six-yard box, but he somehow missed when it seemed easier to score.

The Pikes second goal arrived after 13 minutes when Willgrass supplied a superb through-ball for Stephan Zoll to run onto and score with a 15-yard lob over the advancing keeper.

Two minutes later, the game was wrapped up when Zoll scored his second. Adam Wash was tripped just outside the penalty area and from Jo Conner's superbly-struck free-kick, Zoll followed up after the keeper could only parry.

The Pikes continued to dominate the game with Adam Wash hitting the woodwork on the stroke of half time.

After intoducing three substitutes at half-time, Sheffield had their first chance after 63 minutes when Paul Kelsall set-up Ben Kistell but he shot wide.

Zoll completed his hat-trick in stoppage time with a 20-yard right-foot shot to complete his hat-trick and round off a superb Pikes performance.

The performance was all the more impressive considering the uneven state of the pitch. Their display earned praise from the Sheffield chairman and secretary.

Updated: 12:52 Thursday, December 20, 2001