Armthorpe Welfare 1, Pickering Town 3

On a difficult playing surface against a physical side, the Pikes were good value for their win, which consolidated their postion in fourth spot in the league.

They took the lead after 39 minutes through Gary Chapman, who slid the ball under the keeper from 20 yards. As the players left the field at half-time, Armthorpe were reduced to ten men as Warboys, already on a yellow card, was dismissed for dissent.

Pickering went further in front when Wilgrass crossed for Adam Wash to power in a header. Johnson outpaced the defence to score and put Armthorpe back in the game but on 74 minutes, the Pikes sealed it with a third. Matthew Morton unleashed an unstoppable 30 yard free-kick.

Boss Jimmy Reid was happy with the performance in a game which included eight cautions plus the dismissal.

He said: "It was a bit of an intimidating place but I thought they did well. Matty Morton scored a hell of a goal, the best I've seen all season, even on television. I was delighted for him because he's not been playing absolutely brilliantly recently, but he ended up man of the match."

The win came on the back of a comprehensive 4-1 victory at home to Denaby United on Saturday. The Pikes were outstanding for 20 minutes and raced into a 4-0 lead. Stephan Zoll grabbed the first two, followed by a 20-yard effort from Gary Chapman and a goal from Gavin Dickinson, who ran 40 yards before slotting in.

The secoond half was an anti-climax as the Pikes took their foot off the gas. Denaby scored a consolation from the kick-off.

In last Wednesday's North Riding FA cup tie, the Pikes beat New Marske SC 2-1. This Saturday, they are away to Harrogate Railway in the league.

Thackley reserves 1

Pickering Town reserves 2

The Pikes started brightly and were rewarded after a bizarre decision by the referee. Chris Nicholls netted from a corner but was deemed to have been fouled in the box. To the Pikes relief, Mark Wood slotted the penalty in. Wood and Turner combined well, with James Brown and Paul Wilson offering good support.

Thackley became more physical in the second half. Keeper Quinn was bundled into the net yet the goal was allowed to stand. The Pikes winner came when Paul Wilson threaded a ball through for sub Richard Dale to score. John Beech and Jody Chapman impressed, and Thornton and Garnham controlled the midfield. Up front Turner, Wood and Watson were a constant threat. The reserves play Pontefract at home this week.

Updated: 12:21 Thursday, November 29, 2001