UNICORN FC are the new league leaders after a 4-1 home victory over Richmond Mavericks Reserves last Saturday was coupled with defeats for Colburn Town and Richmond Buck Inn.

Dave Andrews gave the Mavericks an early lead against unbeaten Unicorn, following a knock-down from Dan Johnson, but Kyle Jackson and Chris Duckett turned thematchinthehosts’favour by the break.

Danny Allen then headed home a Duckett corner to make it 3-1 20 minutes from timebefore Jacksoncompleted the scoring late on. Unicorn remain unbeaten in the league after 18 matches this season and lead the way despite playing two matches less than their nearest challengers.

Overnight leaders Colburn Town saw their title hopes suffer a setback with a 3-0 defeatatoutgoingchampions Richmond Town Academy.

Man of the match Sam VernonheadedtheAcademy into an early lead while secondhalf goals from Ben Holmes and Josh Wooff sealed the points in the second half.

Richmond BuckInndropto third after a 3-1 defeat at inconsistent Spennithorne and Harmby. The Buck looked on course to leap to the top when Mark Swanwick volleyed home a corner from Paul Ramsay inside three minutes but the hosts fought back in fine style.

LiamReeves, whohas been ingreatgoalscoringformthis season, hit a hat-trick before the break, the third of which was a magnificent 25-yard volley, to seal the points. The title race is still wide open however, as there is just one point separating the top three.

Catterick Garrison Football Centre are fifth after a 5-0 win at bottom side Hawes Gayle. Pete Hurry scored twice while Damien Hargreaves struck a hat-trick as Catterick eased to a comfortable victory.

Hawes United were surprisingly held to a 2-2 draw by neighbours Askrigg United. George Handley fired Askrigg ahead from the penalty spot early on but Darren Bell and Ashley Iveson put Hawes in front by the break.

However, Askrigg improved in the second period and Gary Cockerill capitalised on a mistake in the Hawes defence to earn his side a point.

Catterick Rovers came frombehindtobeatCarperby Rovers 2-1. After a goalless first half, Shaun Sproates was brought down in the area which gave John Pickard the chance to put Carperby ahead, but Chris Green and Asher Gilligan won it for Catterick in the final 20 minutes.

There was one outstanding Dales Cup tie to be played and it saw Reeth go through to a meeting with Colburn Town thanks to a 5-1 success at Redmire United.