THE sides in third, fourth and fifth place in the Leeper Hare York and District League premier division took full advantage of the top two's weekend away.

Third-placed Malton Bacon Factory beat visitors Haxby Utd 2-0 with Dave Bradshaw adding to an earlier own goal. Haxby, who missed a penalty, have now gone five games without a win.

Thorpe United recorded their third 2-0 win on the bounce as they overcame Wiggington Grasshoppers with Deans Woods getting both their goals, the second from the spot.

And two late goals from Dean Readman and Phil Hill gave Old Malton their fifth win on the trot, 3-2 at Bishop-thorpe. Paul Scaling had given the Malton side the lead before Stephen Purdy and Greg Fitzmaurice netted for Bishops either side of half-time.

Bottom club Copmanthorpe clearly enjoy hosting T & L Selby. They beat them 5-1 in the York FA Cup earlier this season and now 4-0 in the league.

Former York City man Kieran Darlow did the damage with his third hat-trick of the season, with Mark Bellah completing the scoring.

Young Callum Horne won a point for Pocklington with a clever lob after Chris Burgess had put Dunnington in front with a shot with which the 'keeper should have done better.

It was home sweet home in division one as every game went with the hosts.

Leaders York St John's beat Norwich Union 4-1 with Andrew Sherlock claiming his second hat-trick of the season and Robin Bedford also netting, Matt Deveraux scoring the consolation.

Nestl Rowntree improved their goal difference by thumping Rufforth 8-0 with hat-tricks from Matty White and Danny Leach. Mick McKenzie and Steve Blake completed the scoring.

Hamilton Panthers edged visitors Wilberfoss with Andrew Jones netting the only goal of the game ten minutes from time.

The clash of the bottom two was won emphatically by Easingwold, 7-0 against Selby RSSC. Andrew Metcalfe junior and Eddie Myers both claimed braces, with Micky Raper, Mike Smith and Gary Raper also on target.

Updated: 11:21 Monday, January 31, 2005