THE ache was put into Aislaby United once more as they bowed out of a cup competition on a penalty shoot-out.

After perishing in the Gordon Harrison Memorial Trophy last month, Aislaby United crashed by the same 4-2 margin in a spot-kick duel against Union Rovers in the Ryedale Hospital Cup quarter-finals.

Rovers opened the scoring through Paul Holder before Kenny Temple levelled. The score remained deadlocked through the rest of the game and extra time. Union goalkeeper Mick Norman was the hero with two penalty saves in the tense shoot-out.

Back on the RJF Homes Beckett League first division, Kirkdale United were held in check by Kirkbymoorside Reserves, who eked out a goal-less draw.

Thornton-le-Dale did their hopes of avoiding the drop a power of good by hammering fellow relegation candidates Heslerton 5-1. After Will Dunnett's opener was wiped out by a goal from Heslerton's Gareth Drive, the Dale ranks took charge. Dunnett smashed a 30-yard shot in off a post and then completed his hat-trick to add to a brace of goals from Mike Lealman.

Rosedale consolidated second place with a 2-0 win over Black Swan, Pickering, with goals in each half from Ken Weatherill and David Gillies.

Bottom club Duncombe Park could not hold visitors Sinnington, whose 2-1 triumph was secured by David Wilkinson and John Brown. Lee Otterburn bagged a late consolation for Duncombe.

Ryedale Sports Club took advantage of no game for second division leaders Slingsby by toppling Ampleforth 3-1.

Paul Lakin beat three men before sending in a cross finished by John Reed for Ryedale's tenth-minute opener followed soon after by a Mike Phillips' strike. After surviving stern pressure, Ampleforth halved the arrears with a fine Dave Wallinger goal. But back came Ryedale, man-of-the-match Lakin chipping the 'keeper to seal the points.

Gillamoor suffered a shock 3-1 home defeat to Carlton United, who took a two-goal lead through Tom Kendall and Graham Barker. Kendall struck again in the second half before Lee Nesfield replied late on for Gillamoor.

St Clement's WMC edged a seven-goal thriller over Union Rovers 2nds' largely thanks to a hat-trick from Jordan Hornby, whose scoring was initiated by Fraser Russell. On target for Rovers were Tom Ellison, Mark Jeffles and Nathan Rudd.

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, February 09, 2005