CITY of York held National League side Holcombe to a thrilling 5-5 draw before bowing out of the English Hockey Indoor League play-off tournament at Haslemere.

Representing the North of England after Sheffield Hallam dropped out, York fought back from a two-goal deficit twice against a Holcombe team who had won both their previous games.

The prolific Ben Foster scored twice with Ollie Coutie, Matt Couttie and Richard Jenkin also on the scoresheet.

Sadly, that was York's best result in the tournament as they suffered three defeats in their other matches against strong opponents.

Foster (2) and Luke Ramli were on target in a 4-3 reverse against Robinsons.

A 3-1 loss against Wolverhampton followed with Foster getting the consolation.

Foster also hit a hat-trick in the final game against Harleston Magpies but could not prevent his side going down 4-3.

A club spokesperson was nevertheless upbeat, saying: "Although the results were disappointing York can feel proud that its major hockey club could represent the North of England in such prestigious company. For the players it was a great experience to pit themselves against such good opposition and they can be pleased that they did themselves justice and provided spirited opposition."

City of York II toppled hosts Leeds I 2-1 to avenge the defeat they suffered in the first half of the season.

Gordon Jennings was superb in defence and helped to nullify Leeds until they scored just before half-time from a short corner.

In the second half City gradually took the initiative. Alex Cockram twice went close before bagging the leveller from a tight angle. Shortly after, City's second was scored by Lee Cuffe with a short corner drag flick.

The Leeds 'keeper was yellow carded for bringing down Cockram, but that would have left Leeds without a 'keeper for the subsequent short corner or a major delay while someone changed into goalkeeping gear.

So City's skipper Rob Anderson suggested he should remain on the field while another player went in the sin bin.

This nearly backfired when City's short corner failed and Leeds broke and forced City to concede a short corner. Fortunately Leeds failed to convert.

City of York III lost 5-2 at home to York University I who went two goals up in the first quarter. City pulled one back from Matt Todd at a short corner, but the students increased their pace and City could not match it.

City of York IV marked the long journey to Grimsby I with a 3-0 win with Sam Lynn, borrowed from the fifths, scoring a hat-trick.

After Lynn's opener, City goalkeeper Dave Horn earned his man-of-the-match award with a series of excellent saves.

After taking a 2-0 lead through David da Silva, City of York V lost 4-3 at home to Chapeltown II.

The turning point came when Richard Cockram missed a penalty. Chapeltown came back to lead 3-2. Wayne Stevens levelled for City only for the hosts to concede a winner in the last quarter.

City of York VI comfortably disposed of visiting Thirsk II 4-2 thanks to two goals apiece from Les Reed and Greg Sykes.

But for City of York VII a lacklustre show saw them perish 6-2 to Chapeltown III. 'Keeper Brian Ignjatovic kept the score respectable, with Tim Jolly and James Still on target.

Airedale II taught City of York VIII a lesson in finishing in a 5-1 defeat.

City forced as many short corners as Airedale, but the home team centre forward scored from four of them with devastating strikes. York's lone joy was a Tom Feasby chip into the bottom corner.

Updated: 08:50 Tuesday, February 01, 2005