THE LEAGUE are sad to report the death last Monday of Bernard Goddard, secretary of Division Three side Workies. Bernard was a stalwart of local football being secretary of Northallerton Working Mens Club for many years. Before that he was also secretary of York Trailers FC who played in the North Yorkshire League. He will be greatly missed. His funeral will be held today (Friday 27th February) at 11am at All Saints Church, High Street, Northallerton and afterwards at Northallerton Working Mens Club.

To matters on the pitch and last Sunday Sportsmans FC roared into the final of the Frank Bainbridge Cup, and a meeting with old rivals Northallerton Police, with a 4-1 victory over Broughton Hibs. Alex Dougall gave the Hibs an early lead but Mikey Stevens scored scored either side of the break to put Sporties ahead before Nathan Pratt and Danny McLachlan sealed their progress to another final.

In Division One, a goal from Jimmy Greening was scant consolation for Stokesley SC, as they were beaten 9-1 at Travaux FC.

Brompton Juniors still lead the way in Division Two after a 5-2 home win over Topcliffe. Luke Toman, with two, Adam Wilson, Dan Caisley and James Horsefield gave Brompton the victory which keeps them nine points clear at the top.

Stokesley Wanderers remain second, although it took a controversial last-gasp winner to give them a 4-3 victory over bottom side Osmotherley Rangers. James Yeend gave Wanderers an early lead but after half an hour Rich Thompson brought Rangers level from the penalty spot. Right on the stroke of half time, Matty Croft headed home a Yeend cross to put Stokesley ahead for a second time, but on the hour, Thompson equalised again. The end-to-end nature of the match continued as John Dowd put the hosts 3-2 ahead only for a 70th minute own goal to square it up for a third time, and that appeared to be the way it would finish. But in stoppage time Wanderers won a controversial penalty, and although Dowd's kick was initially saved, Graham Wrightson followed up to grab the winner.

AFC Beckside are third after thrashing struggling West Tanfield, 7-2. Jack Moore hit a hat-trick inside the opening half an hour but Tanfield briefly rallied with a brace from Carl Greenwood. However, right on the stroke of half time Richard Snowdon made it 4-2, and in the second half, Moore scored his fourth before Neil MacGillivery and an own goal concluded matters in Beckside favour.

Golden Lion are fourth following a 4-2 victory at Fleece Inn. All the Lion goals arrived in a frantic second half as Christopher Hope scored twice, while Kyle O'Gorman and Tom Chapman sealed the points.

Gt. Ayton Sheriffs remain in the promotion race as second half strikes from Ash Woodier, Jimmy Grainge and an own goal gave them a 3-0 victory over Cowtons, who drop to sixth.

In Division Three, Thirsk Town moved to within seven points of leaders Knayton with three games in hand after a 9-3 trashing of Vale of York. Lee Johnson led the way with a hat-trick while Dan George scored twice. Michael Lax, Paul Connolly, Ritchie Cartman and Patrick Wheatley then sealed the points. John Beales, with two, and Martin Beales replied for Vale.

Workies are third after a 2-0 win at Oddfellows Arms. In the first half, Tom Riordan volleyed the opener while a late penalty from Dave Tennant sealed the points in a fitting tribute to secretary, Bernard Goddard, who sadly passed away last week.

Romanby 2014 continued their good form with a 5-1 victory at County Arms. Jordan Wallace gave County an early lead but before the break a brace from Roy Smith and a strike from Kris Frost had the visitors in control. In the second half, Adam Leahy and Sean McCaskill then sealed the points to keep Romanby in the promotion hunt.

Masham jumped above Streetlam Farmers with a 2-1 away win. After a goalless opening hour, Daniel Hare, with a penalty, gave Masham a lead which ten minutes later Mark Hullah doubled. The Farmers rallied with a late headed own goal but Masham held on for all three points.