MATTERS are coming to the boil in Reserve 'B' of the Leeper Hare York and District Football League.

Leaders Nestl Rowntree lost 5-2 to Easingwold who are now just five points behind the confectionery side.

Andrew Metcalfe (jnr) hit four of the goals, Paul Simpson also on target.

John Beech's treble in Haxby United's 4-0 win over Wigginton Grasshoppers made him the division's top scorer. David Jefferey added the other goal.

Bishopthorpe recorded their second successive 2-0 home win to beat Stamford Bridge. For the third time this season they were helped by an own goal with Darren Miles hitting his first goal of the season.

Reserve 'C' leaders Hamilton Panthers maintained their unbeaten record with a 2-1 win at Amotherby with goals by Craig Ware and Wayne Smith. Shane Olly replied.

Rufforth stretched their unbeaten run to five games as they beat Riccall 3-0 with goals from Graham Rae, Adam Blair and Anthony Evans.

John Hayes hit four of Heslington's five goals at Hemingbrough. Peter Elcock added the fifth goal while Scott Birch and Mark Livsey netted for Hemingbrough.

All the top three RESERVE 'D' sides lost.

But despite going down 5-3 at Fulford, York RI held on to top spot. Luke Richardson netted for the fifth game running for RI, whose other goals came from Chris Haigh and Danny Wood.

Fulford were grateful to a brilliant hat-trick from Darren Todd and a brace of goals from Ben Bailey.

Norwich Union defeated Heworth 5-1 to go second, Nick Henshaw leading the way with his second hat-trick of the season. Rob Collier and Mike Richardson also scored, John Bruce and Kevin Ingelby replying.

Stillington were two up inside 15 minutes at Ouseburn through Guy Rae and Dave McCafferty.

But the home side managed to draw level before Graham Morrison hit the winner for Stillington.

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, February 09, 2005