Pickering 2, Thackley 1 - Thackley failed to force their way back into the top eight of the Northern Counties East Premier Division when they gifted Pickering Town the points.

Despite a penalty from former Bantams youth striker Ben Jones, they slipped to a disappointing defeat after costly mistakes in each half gave the home side the upper hand. Craig Sugden scored an own goal to end his side's hopes.

"We deserved something out of the game but made two individual errors and they have cost us," said Thackley manager Andy Taylor.

"Pickering are a top three side. In the scheme of things it was a good positive display from us and we can take a lot out of the game."

Had his side been as clinical as the home team Taylor would have been celebrating another famous victory because the visitors surely edged the count for chances created.

The first effort of note saw Pickering's ex Guiseley forward Stefan Zoll getting in a well directed header but Richard Cornwall saved well.

Thackley's Martin Packer then curled in a corner that was cleared off the line, but the fortunes of Zoll and Cornwall turned about face.

The Thackley keeper kicked a clearance into the path of the Frenchman on the half hour and the striker neatly lobbed it back into the net. Just eight minutes later a home defender handled a cross from Ian Briggs inside the area and Jones levelled from the spot.

Just after the hour, a teasing cross from Zoll was turned past Cornwall by his own skipper, Craig Sugden, and that proved to be the winning goal.

Pickering keeper Adam Mitchell made two good saves near the end as Thackley desperately tried to grab a very late equaliser.