Old Malton's five-goal haul at New Earswick was just enough for them to re-claim pole position in the Leeper Hare York Football League Reserve 'A' on goal difference.

Besides the nap of strikes, the Malton side made it five straight wins. The plunder in their 5-2 win was shared between Tom Paley, Paul Milner, Mathew Pritchard, Shaun Willey and Tom Moorcroft.

Neighbours Malton Bacon Factory did them a massive favour by holding title rivals Pocklington 1-1. Colin Peach gave Pock the lead but despite having a penalty brilliantly saved, the Bacon Factory equalised from a later spot-kick by Ben Wheeler.

St John's College climbed out of the relegation places after their first win in seven games when they beat Copmanthorpe 2-1 with goals from Greg Key and James Nelson.

Nestl Rowntree are the latest team to take over the Reserve 'B' top slot after beating previous leaders Haxby 5-1.

Steve Fratson opened the scoring after just 40 seconds with Wayne Scaife doubling the lead. Soon after Ken Davies converted a penalty after Fratson was brought down.

Though Mike Taylor gave Haxby some hope with his sixth goal of the season, Luke Neil restored Rowntree's three-goal cushion before the interval. Sub Mike Burdett completed the scoring four minutes from time.

Second-placed Thorpe Utd were well beaten 5-1 at Stamford Bridge with Steve Walters (2), Chris Allan (2) and Mike Smith (junior) on target.

The Reserve 'C' top of the table clash at Poppleton served up an eight-goal thriller with visitors Hamilton Panthers prevailing 6-2.

Paul Brown and Steve Gagen - nine goals in his last three games - both chipped in with a brace with other goals from Neil Hartley and Craig Ware. Poppleton's scorers were Tim Hudson and Stephen Abbott.

York RI and Norwich Union both chalked up their first Reserve 'D' draw of the season after a 2-2 share-all at New Lane.

After a blank first half, Phil Ellerby put the visitors in front before a couple of Luke Richardson goals gave the edge to York RI. Another Ellerby strike salvaged a point.

Heworth leapfrogged LNER Builders to take third spot after they beat Stillington at home 2-1 with Shaun Hunter and Andy Innes on target.

Updated: 10:54 Wednesday, January 26, 2005