Pickering Town Under-19s have had to settle for third place in the Northern Under-19 Alliance League after title rivals Farsley Celtic won their last game to take the crown.

Having been hit by a plethora of postponements, the league finally came to an end when Farsley beat Thackley 4-0 to make their lead at the top unassailable.

The young Pikes, who had two games left, agreed with other clubs who had outstanding fixtures to cancel all the matches and share the points, meaning they finished third in the table, three points behind second-placed Guiseley and seven behind Farsley.

"I'm very happy with that," said boss Gary Farthing, whose side had switched from New Earswick to Pickering midway through the season and also suffered because of the floods.

"After everything that's happened, the lads have done great. We lost three of our first four games but since then we've only lost once and the lads have done really well to compete at this level."

Many of Farthing's side are eligible for next season while a high number have already tasted experience with the first team, who won promotion to the Northern Counties East League premier division.

"Apart from Farsley and maybe Guiseley, who we drew with twice, we're the best in the league, and it's a very good standard," added Farthing.

Updated: 11:50 Wednesday, May 30, 2001