Acomb WMC closed the gap at the top of division two with a 6-3 win over Boot & Slipper, Steve Stone netting twice.

In a close-fought game at Haxby, visitors Nestl Flag finally broke the deadlock in the 68th minute through Chris Dyson and he was on the spot again in the closing stages to secure the points with his and Flag's second.

Steve Jackson hit a treble for Deramore Arms but it wasn't enough as Bradley (2), Hildon, Stimpson and Neads with a crashing volley gave York Nomads a 5-4 win.

Danny Smith notched a couple as Hemingbrough beat Edward VII 4-2, while Burnholme (Earswick) and Acomb SC ground out a goalless draw.

Division three leaders Bishopthorpe's title hopes took a dent when they went down to the odd goal in seven at Fulford.

Simpson, Chapman, Thompson and an own goal accounted for Fulford's goals with Wigley, Sanderson and Turner netting for Bishopthorpe.

That allowed Hambleton to close the gap with a 3-2 win at Copmanthorpe thanks to goals from Farrar, Croad and Sills, Dillon and Bastock scoring for the home side.

Paul Hughes scored twice as Barlby opened up a 5-0 lead by half-time at Heworth but the home side fought back before going down by just the one goal, 5-4. O'Loughlin bagged a brace as Shoulder of Mutton won 4-2 at Beeswing.

Updated: 11:37 Friday, January 14, 2005