HOUNDS hung on to top spot in York John Smith's Sundfay Morning Football League division one after defeating Severus in a hard-fought game at Riccall.

Jackson cashed in on a mix-up in the Severus defence after the ball hit the crossbar to put Hounds ahead after 20 minutes. Five minutes later Crowther made it two with a volley after good work by Pickles.

Severus SC dominated the second period, but Hounds' defence held firm to secure the win.

Andy Green (2) and Mark Ford put Marcia 3-0 up by half-time against Selby Olympia WMC. Although John Ginty and Adam Durnin pulled goals back, Olympia were unable to find a third to deny all three points to Marcia, who have games in hand over the leaders.

Coccini (2) and Thornton hit the target to steer Derwent United to a 3-1 win at Volunteer Arms, whose title hopes are now virtually over.

A first half James Hewitson hat-trick put Ainsty Panthers in control at Pocklington. Andrews pulled one back before Danny Midgeley made it 4-1. Andrew Anderson scored a twice-taken penalty to bring it back to 4-2.

Thorpe United beat Wigginton Grasshoppers 4-1 with goals from Burton (2), Emmett and Garner. Luke Roberts netted for the visitors.

Long-time division two leaders Shipton could miss out on promotion after a home defeat by Nestl Flag, who were set on their way by goals from Dyson and Laidlaw.

Strikes from Stilgoe and Fratson levelled matters, but Flag claimed the points as Dyson completed his hat-trick to take his season's tally to 33 goals, while Pete Laidlaw added the fifth goal.

Acomb WMC made no mistake at Deramore Arms as Danny Gray and Lee Jackson each scored hat-tricks in an emphatic 8-2 win. Matthew Chipchase and John McGarry added the other Acomb goals, while James and Anthony Luck replied for Deramore.

Shipton must now wait on the results of Acomb WMC and Flag's remaining games to see if they go up.

Hill hit a hat-trick as Acomb SC ended on a high with a 4-1 defeat of Boot & Slipper.

A David Coverdale goal was enough to secure all three points for Haxby at Burnholme (Earswick) who are now in danger of relegation.

Franks and Ogden got the goals for Edward VII as they lost 4-2 at home to Hemingbrough.

Updated: 10:46 Friday, April 08, 2005