Thornton Dale v Heslerton

2.07pm 23 August 2026

Beckett League, Keith Sales Memorial Trophy, Division One Final
Thornton Dale 3 Heslerton 2 (att 170)

The Keith Sales Memorial Trophy is a sort of Community Shield-style curtain raiser to the Beckett League season. In fact there are two trophy finals, and both were at Thornton Dale.

The division two final, Slingsby United v Heslerton development, kicked off at midday ahead of the division one game, in which the hosts played Heslerton's first team in what was, for me at least, the main event.

I've no idea how the competing teams were chosen. Thornton Dale and Heslerton finished fourth and sixth in last season's nine team division, and as far as I can tell neither won a cup. It's also curious for a Saturday league to play these matches on a Sunday, although of course that suited me.

Kick off was scheduled for either 2pm, 2.10pm or 'approx 2pm' depending where you looked. The game actually got underway at 2.07, and was a lively affair played in front of a large crowd.

Heslerton began well, but fell behind to a Thornton Dale free kick for the first half's only goal. When the home side went 2-0 up early in the second period it looked like being a routine win.

But after 72 minutes the away side were awarded a penalty, which was converted to set up an interesting finale. Thornton Dale immediately hit back to restore their two goal lead, but then from the restart an audacious shot from the half way line was on target and beat the keeper to make it 3-2.

Heslerton pushed for an equaliser, but their efforts at goal were either off target or comfortably saved, and Thornton Dale held on to take the trophy.

The organisers has gone to great lengths to make the occasion an attractive one for spectators. There was excellent food and drink available, entertainment for children too young to truly appreciate Beckett League football, a raffle and fundraising for Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They were rewarded with a good turnout.

Thornton-le-Dale is an attractive village that pulls in tourists. The football club are based at the village playing field, which also hosts the local cricket club.