Griffiths goal makes all the difference

Northallerton, fielding several new players for the tough played at Thirsk Athletic Club's Astro pitch, scored their match winner in the first-half, Jacquie Griffiths on target for a 1-0 success against Guisborough.

Griffiths took her goal from a crisp pass by Victoria Howard.

Northallerton had the majority of possession in the second-half. Despite a number of chances to extend their lead they were unfortunate not to score again but it was a well-deserved win for Northallerton.

Players of the match: Lisa Cleminson (Northallerton) and Jackie Dixon (Guisborough).

Kim Naylor struck a hat-trick for Norton who ran away with their game against New Dales in the second-half, scoring five times for a 6-1 victory.

Norton tested New Dales goalkeeper Jill Brine who did well to keep out a low shot from Naylor. She was beaten shortly afterwards by Holly Dinsdale to give the home side an interval lead.

Norton were more determiend in the second-half and New Dales came under pressure for much of the time. Three quick goals put Norton well in control but New Dales hit back to score from a well-executed corner by Lucy Holden which produced an an unstoppable shot from Helen Mudd.

New Dales continued to play well but their lack of match experience showed, and despite a mammoth defensive effort from all the team and particularly by Sue Tiplady and Julie Fawcett, they conceded a further two goals. Norton's other scorers were Sophie Dewell, Sarah Craggs and Holly Dinsdale.

Players of the match: Kim Naylor (Norton) and Bayna Brown (New Dales).

Mackinlay Park were unable to turn around an unimpressive start following defeats in their first two matches, trailing 2-0 against Barnard Castle who finished 6-2 winners.

Barnard Castle took a 19th-minute lead through Rachel Smith who ran through from midfield. Mackinlay fought back with a magnificent text book penalty corner with Marie Hargreaves finding the back of the net in the 26th minute. This, however, was followed shortly afterwards in the 31st minute with another break by Barnard Castle from within their own half by Karen Jobling and finished with the best goal of the match with a superb volley which Mackinlay's goalkeeper Gill Dixon had no chance of stopping.

Barnard Castle started the second-half in determined style, scoring another goal from open play within three minutes of the restart. Their goals after the break came from Alison Armstrong (2), Charlotte Snowdon and Amanda Bainbridge. All that Mackinlay could manage was one goal pulled back by Terry Saffin in the 58th minute.

Players of the match: Karen Jobling (Barnard Castle) and Marion Calvert (Mackinlay Park).

The clash between Stockton and Thirsk finished goalless. Stockton were forced to absorb a lot of pressure in the first ten minutes and only managed to hold Thirsk by some excellent defending and brave goalkeeping by debut-making Terri Martin. Stockton almost grabbed a victory but Kath Iley's shot hit a post.

Players of the match: Terri Martin (Stockton) and and Kath Bower (Thirsk).

Two points separated the top two teams, Roseberry and Stokesley, in the league last season, and there was little between them when they met for the first time in the league this season, the game ending goalless.

Both teams impressed with their young players stealing the limelight. Roseberry's 14-year-old Hannah Coyne improves with every game and Stokesley teenager Becky Tait also had a great game and was unfortunate not to add to her goal scoring total.

There were few scoring opportunities, neither team able to take advantage of the numerous penalty corners awarded. Roseberry created the best scoring opportunity from open play in the dying minutes of the game when a good ball from Roseberry captain Sarah McDonald went across the goal, Hannah Coyne just failing to get the final touch at the far post.

Players of the match: Louise Young (Roseberry) and Helen Waller (Stokesley)