SPORTSMAN'S beat Stokesley Wanderers 4-1 in the Hillsprint Hambleton Football Combination league cup final at Northallerton Town ground.

Stokesley had the better of the early exchanges. On eight minutes, James Stinson broke through in the inside left channel. His shot beat the onrushing Sporty’s 'keeper Michael Corps – but not defender Josh Fullarton who raced back to clear the ball off the goal line.

Three minutes later Stokesley took the lead when Joe Casson put Stinson through and he shot past the advancing Corps. The Northallerton side hit back with left winger Jack Stapley striking a great shot from out on the left from 30 yards which Stokesley 'keeper Jack Bromley tipped over his bar.

On 22 minutes, Sporty’s equalised when right back Lewis Self raced down the right wing before hitting a great cross which Stapley converted at the back post. Three minutes before half time Sporty’s took the lead when Stapley crossed from the left goal line and Saul Bamber Lister headed home at the back post. Half time 2-1 Sporty’s.

Stokesley started the second half strongly, and on 57 minutes Callum Smith hit the Sporty’s bar with a left-wing corner. Sporty's were awarded a penalty on 74 minutes when Stapley was fouled, and Bamber Lister converted it for 3-1 Sporty’s. Stokesley pushed forward, with Callum Smith hitting a great shot from 25 yards which bounced off the Sporty’s cross bar.

But it was Sporty's who rounded off the scoring on 78 minutes when Stapley received the ball in the Stokesley half of the centre circle and raced through to shoot past Bromley in the Stokesley goal.

After the game league councillor Eddie Baker presented medals to the four match officials, runners up trophies to Stokesley Wanderers, Sportsman’s Jack Stapley with the man of the match award, winners medals to the Sportsman’s team and presenting the Hillsprint League Cup to the Sportsman’s captain Alex Caisley.

In the league, Stokesley Wanderers and Durham Ox, division one's second and third placed sides respectively, played on Sunday, with Stokesley winning a close game 3-2.

On the stroke of half time Stokesley were awarded a penalty. Kieron Watson hit the Ox post, with the ball bouncing wide, but the referee ordered a retake as he adjudged that Ox 'keeper Dylan Bradford had moved off his line when the kick was taken. Bradford dissented the decision and was given a temporary dismissal (sin bin) for ten minutes. Ox substituted an outfield player and brought on reserve 'keeper Tom Gill to go in goal. Watson scored the long awaited second attempt penalty.

In the second half, Raiden Smithson Hogg equalised for the Ox on 55 minutes. On 68 minutes, Ryan Dunn put Stokesley back in front only for Chris Smales to equalise two minutes later. Stokesley re took the lead on 75 minutes through Matty Smith, which proved to be the end of the scoring. The win moves Stokesley to the top of the table.

The Catterick Village versus Kildale fixture was postponed as Catterick were unable to field a side.

In division two, top of the league Golden Lion, N’ton hosted third-placed Shorthorn, S. Otterington knowing that a win or a draw would give them the division two title. After a goalless first half, Ben Darville gave Lion the lead after 53 minutes. Shorthorn hit back with Tyrone Crow equalising on 71 minutes and Jacob Stayman Collin giving them the lead on 83 minutes. Lion tried to find an equaliser but were caught out on the break deep into injury time with Joe Martin scoring Shorthorn’s third. The win means Shorthorn just need to draw their final match against White Bear, Bedale to win the division two title.

Sunday fixtures, kick offs 10.30am: Division 1, Sportsman’s, N’ton v Durham Ox, N’ton. Division 2: Shorthorn, S. Otterington v White Swan, Bedale. Tuesday, May 10, kick off 7pm, Division 1: Catterick Village v Durham Ox, N’ton.