STEPHEN Jackson scored his seventh hat-trick of the season in Deramore Arms' 6-2 win at Acomb SC.

Jackson beat Acomb's 53-year-old goalkeeper Mal Ibbotson four times in York John Smith's Sunday Morning Football League division two scrap, with Andrews and Robertson completing the score. Hill and Hinde responded with a consolatory two for Acomb.

Boot & Slipper got their points tally back in the black with a comprehensive 7-1 win over struggling Haxby Lions, with Harper and Shepherdson each bagging a brace.

Hemingbrough and Burnholme SC ground out a 0-0 draw.

Division leaders Shipton took a giant step towards the title with a hard fought 4-2 win at second placed Acomb WMC.

Danny Gray's opener for Acomb was cancelled out by an own goal before half time.

Wayne Carter restored their lead and it remained that way until 20 minutes from time when the introduction of sub Neviani changed the balance of the game.

The Acomb WMC defence could not cope with his pace and he proceeded to net two goals and set up Blake to secure the three points.

With division one leaders Volunteer Arms inactive last weekend, both teams below them took advantage to leapfrog them.

Marcia now head the table after they overcame the dismissal of their goalkeeper after only ten minutes to record a 4-0 win at home to Wigginton GH courtesy of a brace from Steve Ward and one apiece from David Allison and Steve Purdy.

After a goal-less first half, Hounds scored five without reply in the second period at Thorpe to move into second, Jackson (2), Collier (2, one penalty) and Cygan the scorers.

The old adage of you can't win games if you don't score was never more appropriate than at second-placed Acomb Celtic in division four.

Visitors Bay Horse (Tadcaster) dominated only to lose to a stunner from Kevin Gallagher, who beat three men before curling an unstoppable shot into the top corner from 25 yards.

Ryan Chadwick netted two as Selby Olympia WMC closed the gap with a 5-1 win over Poppleton Road WMC.

Black Swan bounced back from their drubbing the previous week to record an 8-2 win over Gypsy Moth, Thomas netting four.

Andy Holt got two for Enterprise but it wasn't enough as Castle Howard Ox ran out 5-4 winners.

Updated: 10:01 Friday, March 04, 2005