THE newitts.com Beckett Football League were shocked last week when they received the resignation of Sherburn from the first division, who stated they were suffering a lack of players for the month ahead.

League chairman Keith Sales said: "We as a league did not see this coming, this is the second team we have lost during the season which appears to be the way local football is heading.

"We, like all the other teams in the league, hope that Sherburn is reformed during the summer months and that they return next season."

The other team lost during the early part of the season was Norton United, who continue to look for a new manager or player/manager so they can reform for next season.

Any person wishing to help out is asked to contact Trevor Heselwood on 01653 694201.

In the first division, there are 13 league games still to play. Any one of the top six teams can still win the title.

Rosedale are the current leaders, a point clear of second-placed Kirkbymoorside Reserves who didn’t play on Saturday because they were supposed to entertain Sherburn.

Rosedale beat local rivals Sinnington 2-0 at home. The goals came from Ryan Hewison, and player/manager Alastair Wilkinson.

Thornton le Dale entertained Bagby and Balk, winning 3-0 thanks to a Morgan Elvin hat-trick.

Results for Saturday, March 19

Div 1: Kirkbymoorside Res v Sherburn – pp as Sherburn have withdrawn from the league, Rosedale 2 Sinnington 0, Sleights 4 Kirkdale Utd 4, Snainton 4 Ryedale SC 4, Thornton le Dale 3 Bagby and Balk 0.

Div 2: Duncombe Park Res 3 Heslerton 2, Gillamoor 2 Thornton le Dale Res 1, Goldsborough 7 Rillington Rovers 1, Ryedale SC Res 0 Amotherby & Swinton 3, Union Rovers 2 Whitby Fishermen Society Academy 1.

Scarborough & District FA Harbour Cup semi-final: Filey Town 4 Ayton 3.

Fixtures, Saturday, March 24 (kick off 2pm)

Div 1: Kirkdale Utd v Ryedale SC. Div 2: Goldsborough v Amotherby & Swinton, Heslerton v Gillamoor, Ryedale S C Res v Whitby Fishermen Academy Society, Union Rovers v Ayton. Ryedale Hospital Cup, semi-final: Sleights v Snainton. Scarborough & District FA Junior Cup semi-final: Rosedale v Kirkbymoorside Res, Thornton le Dale v West Pier Res