CHAMPIONS Kirkdale United suffered their first defeat of the RJF Homes Beckett Football League season, 1-0 at Kirkbymoorside Reserves.

Moorsiders played with five at the back and one up front but the tactics paid off as player-manager David Smith belted home from 25 yards the only goal on the hour mark.

Second-placed Rosedale could not take advantage as they fell to their first home defeat of the season, 2-1 to Sinnington.

The Sinners, playing their first league game for two months after seven cup ties, went ahead through Rob Atkinson and, after an own goal levelled on half-time, David Wilkinson headed the winner.

Man of the match Simon Cook bagged a brace and Simon King one as third-placed Aislaby deservedly won 3-0 at Heslerton. It could have been different, though, as Lee Clayton and Stuart Hill missed one-on-ones for the hosts.

Thornton-le-Dale went ahead through Rob Pye against Union Rovers, but Pete Tiffany twice set up Richard Abbey to turn things round by half-time, then helped create Paul Holder's goal and finally bagged a solo effort for a 4-1 win.

The five second division games brought 33 goals. Leaders Slingsby led the way with a 7-2 win at Bagby and Balk. Darren Dyer got a hat-trick with Michael Connell, David Allen, Cirk Newton and an own goal also on target, Sean Leckenby and Tommy Hunter, who started the game in goal, replying.

Second-placed Ryedale SC beat Union Rovers 2nds 6-0. John Peel (2), James Reed with two great volleys, his father John Reed, and Simon Rouph all netted.

Carlton United and Ampleforth and St Clement's WMC and Gillamoor were involved in two six-goal draws.

Ben Gaffney (2) and Iain McKeown scored for Carlton, and David Wall (2) and Christian Ardisson for Ampleforth, while Lee Nesfield (2) and substitute Damon Potter got Gillamoor's goals, the latter a last-kick equaliser, after John Alcock, Neil Foster and John Dale had put St Clement's 3-1 up.

Norton United beat Coxwold 4-2 with goals from Roy Heselwood (2), Sam Evans and Will Spowart. Dan Jaques twice replied.

Black Swan, Pickering will face Aislaby in the semi-final of the Gordon Harrison Memorial Trophy after a 3-0 defeat of Old Malton 3rds.

Marc Dobson got an early opener and Simon Dale with a rare header and Matthew Smith with a solo strike completed the win.

Updated: 10:28 Tuesday, December 21, 2004