Hambleton League

THE big news from the league this week was off the pitch, as Scorton FC resigned from Division One after struggling to attract players all season.

Having risen up through the divisions in recent years it is a sad end for a club who were never the same after manager Rudi Sartini left in the summer.

Meanwhile, on the pitch, Division One leaders Sportsmans FC took their unbeaten record to fellow title challengers Great Broughton Hibs last Sunday, but were beaten 4-0 to lose their place at the top.

Sportsmans’ cause was not helped when they had a man sent off early on, and the Hibs took full advantage as a hat-trick from Paul Storey and a strike from Craig Johnson sealed a very important three points for the hosts.

That defeat for Sportsmans gave Kildale the chance to take over at the top but only a late equaliser ensured they got the point they needed against visitors Colburn Town. Tom Keegan gave Colburn the lead after half an hour following good work from Wayne Gredziak, while Stu Murray then had the chance to double their advantage after rounding the Kildale keeper soon after the restart.

However, he only succeeded in hitting the post with the goal gaping and Kildale made him pay the price when Barry Long headed them level soon after.

Keegan was on hand to restore the visitors’ lead 15 minutes from time after a cross from the right by Mike Brend, and they looked set to end the Kildale proud unbeaten league run. But with less than four minutes left, Stephen Pennock popped up with the equaliser to send the hosts to the top.

Spotted Dog have suffered most from Scorton’s resignation from the league as they dropped to the bottom of the table after losing 4-1 at Robert Thompsons.

Lee Barrowdale did gave the Dog an early boost with a fine free kick after just ten minutes, but the hosts rattled in three goals before the break to turn the match on its head.

Miles Bainbridge thumped home the equaliser after half an hour before a penalty from Stu Rose and a strike from Liam McKendry put Thompsons in control. Mark Swanwick then won a penalty for the Dog on the hour, but he missed the opportunity to bring them back into the game and Thompsons sealed the points with a late effort from Rose.

In Division Two, Barton FC stepped up their promotion push with a 6-2 win at struggling Cowtons. A brace from Tom Graham and a strike from Michael Gatenby put Barton in control inside the opening 25 minutes, but the hosts fought back well with goals from Brian Tucker and Mark Sims either side of the break.

However, Barton would not be denied and Jimmy Muir hit a quickfire brace to seal the points, before Gatenby then completed the scoring six minutes from time.

Three Coopers are also in the promotion frame and they came from behind to win 4-1 at Brompton on Swale. Gavin Newall headed the hosts into a half-time lead, but Matty Allison struck twice within the opening five minutes of the second half to turn the match in Coopers’ favour.

Graham Caygill then made it 3-1 ten minutes from time before Brompton keeper Stephen Walker was sent off for a professional foul in the last minute and Allison completed his hat-trick from the resulting spot kick to seal the points.

At the other end of the table, Colburn Town Reserves picked up their first win of the season as a superb second half comeback saw them beat fellow strugglers Topcliffe 7-3 at home. The visitors started the match with only seven players but they were soon up to the full complement, and they led 2-0 at the break thanks to a brace from Nige Binks.

But Colburn came out looking a different side in the second half, and a brace from Craig Page and an effort from Gavin Armstrong had them in front within ten minutes of the restart. Topcliffe briefly rallied and Aaron Bumby brought them level on the hour, but Luke Hamilton immediately put the hosts back in front, while Page then completed his hat-trick following a goalmouth scramble soon after.

Mark Foster then made their first win a formality with 15 minutes left, while Rob Prothero then lobbed the Topcliffe keeper from 25 yards to round things off in fine style.

In Division Three, overnight leaders Travaux FC lost their place at the top with a 5-1 home defeat to West Tanfield. Goals from Martin Mason and Jack Richmond put the visitors in control by half time and, although Travaux pulled one back soon after the restart, a penalty from Charlie Ratezak and further efforts from Ross McSherry and Mason again gave Tanfield the points.

Second-placed Catterick Village were unable to take advantage as they also suffered a 3-1 home defeat against Henley Athletic.

Shaun Nolan, Sam Williamson and Shane Parkinson were all on target as Henley produced a fine performance to show their own promotion credentials.