LUCKLESS Old Malton St Mary's missed out on retaining the North Riding County FA Saturday County Cup after losing 3-1 in the final to Teesside League big guns Boro Rangers.

The hotly-contested game, played in heavy rain at the North Riding HQ in Stokesley, went down to the wire - the contest being closer than the scoreline suggests, with the York Minster Engineering League title-chasers hitting the woodwork several times and missing a glut of chances.

Rangers took a 2-0 lead in a feisty first half. A cheeky free kick was chipped over the wall for Coy Blake to convert in the box after 27 minutes and, seven minutes later, Blake got his second from the penalty spot.

The second half saw some high-quality football, with St Mary’s - who lifted this trophy in 2014 and 2017 and also reached the final in 2015 - coming back into the game but having little luck in front of goal.

Instead, despite the building pressure on their defence, Boro extended their lead on 71 minutes as Stu Rose slotted in from close range.

Saints finally found the net eight minutes later when the Boro keeper failed to deal with a long ball.

However, plenty of other opportunities went begging as they sought a comeback, with Rangers remaining resolute.