NORTHALLERTON Police returned to action for the first time in over a month last Sunday as second half goals from Johnny Coombs, Ben Darville and Graham Caygill were enough to see offthe challenge of Broughton and Kirkby Hibs at Newby Wiske.

Having seen visitors Broughton Hibs, Sportsmans FC and Robert Thompsons all pull away from them atthe top during their enforced badweather break, the Police knew this was a match they simply had to win to remain in the title race.

The Police should have been ahead by the break. Darville and Pinkney both blasted over the top from close range after the commanding figure of Johnny Morris had created the openings with downward headers from crosses by Coombs and Chris Walker.

However, the hosts finally made the breakthrough three minutes into the second period. Darville was fouled 25 yards from goal and Coombs curled his free kick around the wall and past Simpson via the right-hand upright.

And the Police sealed a fully deserved three points with two goals in four minutes midway through the half.

Darville made it 2-0 with a neat finish to another cross from Walker in the 67th minute before Caygill drilled the ball past Simpson from a tight angle after good work from Liam Darville.

So the Police now trail leaders Sportsmans FC by six points but they do have three games in hand as the title race reaches whatlooksall settobe a thrilling conclusion.