RYAN Blott celebrated his elevation to player-coach in style for Pickering Town.

He scored twice and had two assists in a man-of-the-match performance for the unbeaten Pikes at Athersley Recreation in the Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

Town triumphed 6-2 to extend their record to ten wins and three draws, but the leaders are only three points ahead of Pontefract Collieries, who have two games in hand.

Blott converted a cross from Russ Parker to open the scoring in the 32nd minute, and Sam Denton made it 2-0 nine minutes later by heading in a Lewis Taylor cross.

The latter was booked for delaying the restart, but netted the third in the 47th minute.

Rec got one back in the 65th minute but Blott bagged his second 17 minutes later from the spot after Joey McCormick was brought down and, although Rec also scored a penalty, Blott then set up Ged Dalton and McCormick.