BECKETT Football League leaders Kirkdale United tightened their grip on top spot with a 2-0 win against Thornton-le-Dale.

A Philip Charlton penalty and a goal from Ashley Windress were enough for victory.

Union Rovers kept up the pressure with a 3-0 win at Duncombe park with goals from Peter Tiffany (2) and a header from substitute Paul Downes.

Third-placed Sinnington kept in the hunt with Lee Mitchell's goal giving them the points against Black Swan, whose Marc Dobson missed a penalty. Black Swan have now gone three games without a goal.

Kirkbymoorside Reserves' top four ambitions ended when they lost 6-4 at home to Aislaby United, who swept into a 3-0 lead with goals from Adam Hornby, Ben Thompson and Terry Davison.

Nick Turlow pulled one back from the penalty spot but a Carl Biggins own goal restored Aislaby's three-goal advantage. Nicky Wilkinson made it 4-1 and further goals by Hornby put United out of sight despite a late Kirkbymoorside surge which brought goals by Nicky Hodgson (2) and Andrew Ferguson.

Second division leaders Slingsby were held 5-5 by second-placed Ryedale Sports Club - Dave Allan salvaging a point for Slingsby with an 85th minute equaliser.

Allan and Ben Brownhill had put Slingsby 2-0 up before Ben Allen netted a penalty for Ryedale.

Darren Dyer made it 3-1 but two goals from John Sherwood drew Ryedale level. Brownhill edged Slingsby in front but Sherwood completed his hat-trick and Danny Meade scored a rare goal to put Ryedale ahead for the first time but they could not hold on.

Gavin Watt, Paul Simpson, Danny Jaques and Tony Raper were on target as Coxwold won 4-1 at Carlton United, whose consolation came from Alan Barker.

Bottom club Union Rovers 2nds beat Gillamoor 3-2 with goals from Mark Jeffels (2 - both long distance free-kicks) and Sean Ellison. Gillamoor's goals came from Mark Robinson and Dean Fawcett.

Jordan Hornby scored all his side's goals as St Clement's WMC beat Old Malton 3rds 4-2. Mike Brown and Luke Thompson netted for Old Malton.

Updated: 09:49 Wednesday, March 30, 2005