Volunteer Arms suffered a critical blow to their hopes of landing the York John Smith's Sunday League division one title when Alan Howard struck early on for Selby Olympia WMC.

It proved to be the only goal in an otherwise forgettable game as Volunteers failed to put away any of the few chances that came their way against Selby's well-drilled defence.

With Blacksmiths Arms having resigned from the league after failing to raise a side against Thorpe, there will be no teams relegated this season.

That's just as well for Pocklington whose defence crumbled at home to Severus SC in an 8-1 defeat.

Mark Woodward hit four goals, Watson weighed in with a treble and Jones got the other with substitute Steve Robb netting a consolation.

Shipton are only a point away from securing the division two title but they left it late to tie up the points at home to Edward VII.

An own goal gifted them a second half lead before Blake struck a last-minute penalty for a 2-0 win.

Bottom club Boot & Slipper held second-placed Nestl Flag to a 1-1 draw. Shepherdson gave Boot & Slipper a first half lead from the penalty spot before Pete Laidlaw levelled. Fine saves from 'keeper Kunkel kept Flag at bay.

Acomb WMC kept their slim hopes alive with a 4-2 win at home to Acomb SC, Danny Gray notching two, Cooper and Carter one apiece with Knowles and Jackson netting for the Sports Club.

Hambleton opened up a four-point gap at the top of division three with a 5-1 win at local rivals Barlby Athletic courtesy of goals from Croad (2,) Farrar, Farmer and Walker.

The Plough kept up the pressure when they came away from Beeswing with a 4-1 win thanks to a brace from Adam Cook and one apiece from Paul Thompson and James Cook.

Joe Smart hit another hat-trick as Fulford overwhelmed Five Lions 7-1 with Matthew and Nigel Simpson netting two apiece.

In division four, Skelton's lead was cut to just three points after goals from Kevin Gallagher (2) and Ian Rankeillor gave Acomb Celtic a 3-0 win at home to Castle Howard Ox.

A second half hat-trick from Neil Yeowart saw F1 Racing home 3-1 at Gypsy Moth for whom Joe Ratcliffe was on the mark.

Ward struck twice for Albion Vaults but they had to settle for a point as goals from Bye and Beddows earned Rumours a 2-2 draw.

Jim Clark hit a hat-trick as Poppleton Road WMC came from behind to secure a 6-1 win over Black Swan. Murcott, Charlesworth and South got the others after Barker had put Swan in front.

Wanderers' quest for the division five title continued with an eighth consecutive win.

Mark Cairns (2), Darren Brandon (2) and a Matt Hartas penalty sealed a 5-1 victory at Raskelf Rovers for whom Goodwin replied.

Goals from McLoughlin and Bennett earned Selby Griffin all three popints with a 2-1 win at CPP.

Quaker Wood returned to winning ways with a 3-0 win at Cawood courtesy of an own goal and strikes from Hussein and Allen.

Updated: 10:35 Friday, March 18, 2005