WITH LEAGUE leaders Hawes United's match last Saturday at Richmond Mavericks Reserves postponed, Colburn Town had the chance to take over at the top with a victory over Unicorn FC.

In a game that could ultimately decide the destination of the title, Unicorn knew a win would take them to within a point of Hawes with a game in hand. But for much of the contest there was very little to choose between the sides.

Tom Sweeney gave Colburn an early lead from the penalty spot but before the break, Carl Handley headed the Unicorn level. Despite chances at both ends that was the way it stayed until the final three minutes when Sweeney struck again; his 30th goal of the season, to send Colburn top.

That defeat for Unicorn gave Catterick Garrison Football Centre the chance to move into the top four if they could overcome Reeth.

Andrew Constantine gave Catterick an early lead but a brace from Stephen Fleming before the break turned the match in Reeth's favour. However, Mark Catherwood equalised straight from the restart and goals from Damian Hargreaves and Constantine again sealed a 4-2 Garrison victory.

Spennithorne and Harmby were in the goals with a 8-3 success at bottom side Catterick Rovers. Scott Greenway scored a first half hat-trick for a rampant Spenni, while after the break, David Hicken scored twice before James Stanger, Liam Reeves and Adam Dinsdale completed the rout. Ben Goodchild and Matthew Green were amongst the goals for Rovers.

The only other game to beat the freezing weather conditions was at Kneeton Park where hosts Richmond Buck Inn beat Bedale Town Reserves 4-1.

In an explosive start, David Addison and Mickey White gave the Buck a 2-0 lead inside the opening two minutes, while Matthew Bateson made it 3-0 at the break. On the hour, Gareth Sargent did pull a goal back for Bedale but soon after White grabbed his second to seal the points.

The game between Carperby Rovers and Askrigg United was postponed due to a frozen pitch.