CITY of York Men I moved to joint second in the Northern Hockey League premier division after winning 1-0 at Durham University I.

It was York's fourth win in five matches and came against a Durham side who had beaten leaders Sheffield University Bankers the previous week.

Although York are unaccustomed on playing on a water-based synthetic surface, they adapted well and scored the only goal after 20 minutes.

Fozzie Foster cleared the ball to Jason Russell, who exchanged passes with Glyn Humphrey before tapping the ball home.

The students hit the woodwork twice and when they did get the ball on target found City 'keeper James Riley in top form.

Gordon Jennings and Matt Couttie were prominent in York's defence, but as the game wore on York could have scored on the break with Humphrey, Russell, Foster and James Gilbert having chances.

City of York II beat NHL division two east leaders Newcastle University 3-2 - the third straight week York had beaten a side higher in the table.

York opened the scoring when Jimmy Redpath broke clear and was hacked down by a defender but the ball ran free to Richard Jenkin who netted.

Newcastle responded with two short corners and equalised from the second.

Goalkeeper Martin Parrott made some excellent saves for York and Paul Sanguin made some crucial tackles.

Ten minutes after the interval Brendan Platt restored the lead with a shot and John Raper made it 3-1 when he chipped the ball home.

Five minutes from the end, Newcastle pulled a goal back but despite late pressure York hung on to become the first side to beat Newcastle this season.

Matt Fletcher opened the scoring for City of York III against Brigg II in the first minute after good work by Peter Perryman.

York didn't look back after that and goals by Alex Cockram and Ian Wiggins, his first in two years, sealed a comfortable 3-0 Yorkshire League division three win. Graham Guffick and Gavin Ward excelled in defence to protect seventh-team goalkeeper David Horn, drafted in at the last minute.

Peter Evans had a good debut and Adam Saltonstall, promoted from the sixth team did well but could not prevent City of York IV from losing 2-0 at Grimsby I in Yorkshire League division five.

John Jenkin and Richard Cockram were on target as City of York V lost 4-2 against Leeds University V in division seven.

City of York VII made a flying start to their home game against Sheffield Hallam VIII with Les Reid twice hitting a post.

Reid set up John Biddell to stroke home the opener, but Hallam levelled.

Reid restored York's lead before half-time, only for Hallam to equalise once more. York piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a fine solo goal by Greg Sykes to record a 3-2 victory.

Updated: 08:47 Tuesday, November 25, 2003