KIRKDALE United began the defence of their Beckett Football League first division title in fine style with a 3-1 win over Black Swan, Pickering.

Philip Charlton (penalty), Graham Jemison and another from Charlton gave United the points with Swan's response coming from a Marc Dobson penalty.

Revamped Aislaby United, featuring nine new players, got off to a good start by defeating Rosedale 3-0 with goals from Adam Hornby (2) and Nick Wilkinson.

Goals by Richard Abbey, Pete Tiffany, Ian Blanchard and an own goal gave Union Rovers beat a weakened Heslerton side 4-0.

Mark Wood and debutant Lee Otterburn were on target as Duncombe Park beat Kirkbymoorside Reserves 2-0.

Sinnington defeated Thornton-le-Dale 3-0 with goals from Lee Mitchell, Gary Mitchell and Jo Turnbull.

League newcomers Norton United Reserves thrashed ten-man Bagby & Balk 6-1 with goals from Chris Seager (3), Scott Palmer, Stuart Ellis and Tony Ellison. Darren Bell netted Bagby's consolation.

Slingsby beat St Clements WMC, Darren Dyer scoring in each half.

Goals by Christian Ardisen, Matt Warriner and Kevin Wright earned Ampleforth a 3-0 home win over Old Malton 3rds.

Carlton United and Gillamoor drew 2-2 at Carlton Miniott.

Ailing Coxwold have finally resigned from division two with only seven or eight players on the books.

Secretary Keith Sales said: "It is always sad to lose a team but Coxwold are one of the longest serving teams in the league with unbroken membership until the dreaded phone call.

"I hope the villagers rally round and get the club reformed as they have very good facilities and they will be sadly missed."

As a result, Ampleforth receive a bye in the Ryedale Hospital Cup and will have a re-arranged league game on September 25.

Updated: 09:57 Wednesday, September 15, 2004