Roseberry Sunday

Invitation League

Leaders Stokesley suffered a blow when they were defeated 5-0 at Thirsk - the only game to survive the weather in the last two weeks, playing on an artificial pitch.

Thirsk's young trio of Caroline Hayworth, Natalie Hall and Ruth Graham all played well, especially Hayworth in the centre back position. Stokesley's forward Donna Pepper was denied possession on several occasions while Natalie Hall and Ruth Graham both made positive runs and decisive tackles.

There was only one goal in the first-half, scored from a penalty corner, the ball nudged past Stokesley's keeper Rachel Conner by Lesley Dowell.

In the second-half, Thirsk pushed forward and another penalty corner resulted in a second goal for Thirsk, with Lynne McKeown's strike on goal hitting a post and Becky Potter scored from the rebound.

Stokesley responded with several breaks through the midfield by Donna Pepper who was supported well by Becky Tait and Paula Scott but they were unable to make any impact.

With Thirsk in fine form it was not long before they scored again, this time from open play. Mckeown set up Bev Garner whose shot was saved well by Stokesley's young keeper Rachel Conner. The ball rebounded to Dowell who score her second goal.

The visitors continued to try to stem the attacks from a confident Thirsk tean.

A hard struck pass Thirsk youngster Rebecca Potter from just past the half-way line into Stokesley's circle allowed Lucy Downes, positioned near a post, to give the ball the slight touch it required for Thirsk's fourth goal.

In the closing stages Thirsk's Lynne McKeown set-up Downes who gave the home side the final goal.

This was a satisfying victory for Thirsk, who like Stokesley, worked hard throughout the game, Stokesley's captain Sue Hodgson said the best team had certainly won. Stokesley put up a rave fight, but were outplayed by a determined team.

Players of Match: Thirsk, Natalie Hall and Stokesley, Katherine Bower.