Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division: Pickering Town 5 Albion Sports 1

PICKERING Town were dominant at home against the Albion Lions last night and deservedly ran out comfortable winners to move up to joint second in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Ryan Blott - the division’s leading scorer - failed from the penalty spot early on but later helped the Pikes to claim the three points by bagging a brace.

The home side didn’t have long to wait to break the deadlock as Joe Danby netted a 20-yard free-kick on the quarter-hour after Ged Dalton had been fouled outside the area.

Blott netted his first with a well-placed shot in the 28th minute to give the Pikes a two-goal lead that they took into the break.

Just five minutes into the second half, he somewhat atoned for his penalty miss when he netted from the spot after Dalton had gone to ground again, this time inside the area.

Alex Cusack pegged a goal back for the visitors in the 70th minute but Pickering added two late strikes to massage the figures.

Just into time added on, Billy Logan rounded the Albion keeper before slotting in, and a minute later Pikes substitute George Eustance headed home a Logan cross.

The Lions remain in 14th place, between Liversedge and Thackley, while the victory lifted the Pikes to third place on goal difference.

They share the same points as new second-placed outfit Pontefract Collieries and Handsworth Parramore, who are now fourth after being toppled from the runners-up spot after their fixture at Hall Road Rangers was postponed.

Campion should have hosted neighbours Eccleshill United last night but that game was also called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

The new date for the Division One derby is Monday, April 16.

Liversedge are hoping to see some action in the top tier tonight in what should have been their second game this midweek.

Sedge have seen their last five games all shelved due to the weather.

They were due to host Bridlington Town at the weekend and then travel to Bottesford Town on Monday but both games were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.

With more inclement weather forecast for this coming weekend, Sedge boss Jonathan Rimmington is hoping tonight’s game gets the go ahead to chalk another game off the fixture backlog.