IN-FORM Thorpe United were 5-3 winners at home to Wakefield Jets in the Garforth Junior Football League's Under-16s Higher Cup.

Thorpe, who are riding high in division one, almost made the perfect start when Corey Littlefield fired in a shot, but his effort struck the crossbar.

The Jets attacked in numbers, but Thorpe took the lead on the counter attack. Lewis Griffiths cleared and James Arnold combined with Corey Littlefield to play in Richard Buckthorpe, who left defenders in his wake before beating the keeper.

The visitors levelled when Alex Ward was given no chance with a well hit shot and the Jets took the lead midway through the half from the penalty spot. Ward got his fingertips to the spot kick, but was unable to keep it out.

Matthew Webster broke up a dangerous Jets attack and released Arnold, who teed up Littlefield to level just before half-time.

Thorpe looked the stronger side in the second half. Dominik Stankiwicz and Dan McCarthy linked up well, with McCarthy winning a corner and Jordan Emery’s set-piece was flicked in at the near post by Haydn Brown.

Szymon Czubik and David Melling then combined to create space for Arnold. His shot was cleared off the line, but the ball fell for man of the match Jordan Emery to find the net.

A superb save from Ward denied the Jets, but a clumsy challenge led to a second penalty for the visitors and once again Ward got a touch but could not prevent the goal.

Thorpe put the game beyond Wakefield with a fine move. A powerful run from Czubik set up Shaun Heselwood, whose shot struck a post and the loose ball was snaffled by scorer Buckthorpe.