RJF Homes-Beckett League

Union Rovers have now opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the First Division after Saturday's 6-2 away win at lowly Thornton-le-Dale, who slip down into a relegation place.

Union's Peter Tiffany scored five of his side's six goals. He opened the scoring after 15 minutes and doubled his side's lead five minutes later after good work by Simon Rowley.

Thornton-le-Dale, without their regular strike force, pulled a goal back after 33 minutes when Tom Atkinson set up Paul Grayson to score a fine goal. But five minutes later, Union restored their two-goal advantage after Lee Dunning to see his shot on target.

The second half saw Tiffany score twice in the opening five minutes, his second was his 100th goal for the Club in his third season there - a 25 yard unstoppable volley.

Thornton-le-Dale's Will Dunnett scored his side's second goal after 65 minutes. Five minutes later, Tiffany scored his side's final goal of the game. Man of the Match winners were Will Dunnett and Paul Simpson (Thornton-le-Dale) and Peter Tiffany (Union Rovers).

Ryedale Sports Club beat Kirkbymoorside Reserves 1-0 in a close, competitive game. Both sides lost a player with head injuries in the opening 20 minutes - Andrew Piercy for the Moorsiders after 10 minutes and Mike Phillips for Ryedale, who went to hospital and was detained overnight.

On the half hour, Ryedale had a good chance. Andy Rouph crossed to Jay Brown, whose superb volley was superbly saved by the Moorsiders' impressive young keeper, Mark Milestone.

A minute before half time, Ryedale took the lead. John Sherwood broke clear and the Moorsiders' defender Martin Pugh put the ball past his own keeper for what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

Ryedale had a couple of good second half chances which fell to Brown after 60 minutes but it was well saved by Milestone, and Sherwood after 70 minutes which hit the crossbar after he had beaten three men and Milestone. Man of the Match winners were Carl McLaren (Ryedale SC) and Mark Milestone (Kirkbymoorside Res).

The upset of the day saw Sinnington lose 3-1 at home to Rosedale, who jump up three places in the table.

The Sinners opened the goalscoring when Wayne Moon scored early in the first half. Rosedale hit back to level matters before half time when John Tindal scored with a penalty.

In the second half, the Sinners dominated for long periods but missed three good opportunities to score.

Rosedale took the lead a minute from time when Tindal scored his second goal and, deep into stoppage time, Martin Myers scored Rosedale's final goal. Man of the Match winners were Lee Mitchell and Wayne Moon for Sinnington. Stuart Dowson won the Rosedale award.

The Kirkdale United v Slingsby game was not played as the match referee failed to arrive.

In Division Two, with leaders Gillamoor the odd team after the resignation of Coxwold, second-placed Duncombe Park caught up with the games played by Gillamoor and closed the points gap to just four after a narrow 2-1 home win against fifth-placed Norton United Reserves.

After a goal-less first half at Helmsley, Duncombe Park then took a two-goal lead with a goal for Craig Newton set up by Tom Ellis, who scored his side's second goal himself. Norton pulled one back thanks to a cross-cum-shot by Daniel Jacques. Man of the Match winners were Nigel Wright and Tom Ellis for Duncombe Park and Tom Ellison for Norton United.

Third-placed Heslerton, who will visit Duncombe Park this Saturday, visited Pro-Pak in a keenly contested local derby which saw Heslerton 2-1 winners.

They took a two-goal lead thanks to Chris Bell in the first half, and Wayne Pilmoor in the second half. Dean Sleightholme volleyed Pro-Pak back into the game with an unstoppable 25-yard effort after 75 minutes, but Heslerton held out for the three vital points in the quest for promotion.

Pro-Pak had four players absent. Man of the Match winners were Dean Sleightholme (Pro-Pak) and Chris Thornton (Heslerton).

Fourth-placed Old Malton Thirds suffered a 2-1 home defeat to a vastly improved Ampleforth side. A goal-less first half saw Mike Brown score to put Old Malton ahead early in the second half. David Wallinger equalised for Ampleforth, with their winning goal scored after 75 minutes by Alex Shields with a wonderful header. Man of the Match winners were Scott Tomlinson (Old Malton Thirds) and David Wallinger (Ampleforth).

Bagby & Balk also moved up a place after a great 5-1 away win at Union Rovers Seconds. They took a two-goal first half lead, thanks to Matthew Kendal and Darren Bell.

After the break, Bell scored his second goal of the game and Dean Bramley scored to give the visitors a four-goal lead.

Cliff North scored for Union Rovers but Rob Metcalfe scored to restore his side's four-goal advantage. Man of the Match winners were Rob Sharratt (Union Rovers Seconds) and Rob Metcalfe (Bagby & Balk).

St Clement's WMC were shell-shocked when bottom side Crayke beat them 1-0 in Crayke's second League win of the season.

The all-important goal was a penalty three minutes from time scored by Matt Wright.

Crayke transferred four of the Coxwold players on Friday. Adrian Leckenby played and impressed and the other three all came on as substitutes. Man of the Match winners were Mark Benton (St Clement's) and Steve Longstaff (Crayke).

Updated: 15:18 Wednesday, February 08, 2006