THORPE United produced a major shock by beating last season's Leeper Hare York and District League champions Dringhouses.

The premier division kicked-off in style in blazing sunshine and Thorpe's 2-0 victory was the highlight.

Both sides had a goal disallowed in the first half but the match turned on an incident in the 44th minute when 'Houses' John Lake was sent off following a drop ball incident.

Thorpe took the lead on 63 minutes when the Dringhouses goalkeeper was slow to react to a cross and Emmett tapped the ball home from close range.

United doubled their lead ten minutes later when they caught ten-men Dringhouses on the break with a goal from Dean Woods.

It was the first time since the 2003-03 season that Dringhouses had failed to score a goal in a league game.

There was also a sending off in the 0-0 draw between T & L Selby and Old Malton, John Ginty of T & L getting the red card.

Huntington Rovers were the day's top scorers with a 5-1 victory at Haxby. A Rob Ellis header opened their account just before the break and Paul Downes made it 2-0 on 50 minutes.

Chris Dyson, a close season signing from Haxby, added a third before Barley reduced the deficit. For a brief period it looked like Haxby may get something out of the game but on 78 minutes Downes collected his second goal and substitute Pete Laidlaw completed the scoring in the dying minutes.

Pocklington opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Copmanthorpe. It took them almost an hour to find a way through the visitors' defence as Richie Millett began to work some space and time down the flanks.

It was Millett's cross from the left that found sub Rob Eeles who controlled the ball before hammering it home. Millett was again instrumental in Pock's second goal when his cross found Chris Tatterton, who made it 2-0. Ben Thomas added a third eight minutes from time.

Wigginto Black Horse struggled to overcome Kartiers but eventually won with a Wass goal.

Malton Bacon Factory kick-off their season tonight when they visit Bishopthorpe while Pocklington travel to Dringhouses who will be keen to restore their pride after Saturday's surprise defeat.

Updated: 09:32 Monday, August 16, 2004