COLBURN Town are the new league leaders after a 3-2 home win over Richmond Mavercks Reserves last Saturday was coupled with defeat for overnight leaders Richmond Buck Inn.

Darren Matthews gave the Mavericks an early lead but goals from Si McGuinness and Ben Hook had Colburn ahead by the break. Dave Andrews then curled the visitors level on the hour and an even contest looked to be heading for a draw, but with just five minutes remaining Tom Sweeney ran through to win it for Colburn.

Richmond Buck Inn drop to third after a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Unicorn FC, who leapt above them. The visitors arrived with an unbeaten league record to defend and they raced into a 2-0 lead inside 15 minutes thanks to strikes from Steve Bradley and Carl Handley. But the Buck, who have led the table for most of the season, fought back with goals from Leon Ofuonyemegi and John Bishton to make it all-square at the break. However, Unicorn went back in front just past the hour when Handley headed home a Chris Duckett free kick, while a late penalty save from goalkeeper Danny Dale denied Mickey White a Buck equaliser and ensured Unicorn left with all three points.

Defending champions Richmond Town Academy overcame Catterick Rovers 7-2.

Rovers went ahead early on through Mick Chape but Jonathan Kellett and Josh Wooff turned the match in the Academy’s favour within twenty-five minutes. Rovers equalised at the end of the first half with a strike from Chris Andrews but the champions turned on the style in the second period. Wooff added three more to his tally while Ross McGuigan and Richy Curruthers sealed the points.

Catterick Garrison Football Centre enjoyed a 7-0 win at bottom side Hawes Gayle.

Damian Hargreaves led the way with a hat-trick to take him onto double figures for the season, while Neil Wright, with two, Pete Hurry and Dan Deeney completed the rout. It could have been even more emphatic in the end as Hurry also missed a penalty.

Spennithorne and Harmby ended the league’s involvement in the North Riding Challenge Cup as they crashed out 6-0 at Thirsk Falcons. Despite missing several key players, Spenni had early chances to go in front, but the hosts from the Teesside League scored four times before the break to end the tie as a contest, before adding two further goals in the second period.

The match between Carperby Rovers and Hawes United, plus Reeth versus Redmire United, were both postponed due to frozen pitches.