CITY of York I suffered their second defeat of the Northern Hockey League premier division term when they lost 3-1 at Oxton.

York began well taking the ball to the Wirral side and went close when a looped shot by player-coach Jason Russell went over the bar on to the roof of the net.

Oxton rode their luck and hit back to take their lead and after that York only put their game together in patches and fell three goals behind.

Nick Carter scored York's consolation from a short corner.

Unbeaten City of York II were disappointed to draw 2-2 at newly-promoted Lincoln I in North East One.

With a full-strength squad at their disposal, York expected to push on and win after John McRory opened the scoring when Adam Simpson's short corner strike rebounded from a post.

But Lincoln hit back to take the lead and York were relieved to level before half-time when John Raper guided in Chris Dutton's right-wing cross.

York dominated the second half but could not find a way past the Lincoln net-minder, despite forcing about a dozen short corners.

City of York III moved up among the leaders in division three of the Yorkshire League after a 5-2 win over Thirsk I, who were relegated last year.

Matthew Todd gave York the lead from a 15th-minute short corner and Kyle Hogg added the second before half-time.

Matthew Fletcher put York 3-0 up before Hogg added his second. Thirsk pulled a goal back but Hogg completed his hat-trick with a reverse stick shot although the visitors netted a consolation effort before the end.

By contrast, City of York IV are rooted to the bottom of division five after losing 2-1 at Kingston-upon-Hull IV. Denis Hootton put York ahead but Hull equalised before half-time and snatched the winner ten minutes from the end.

Goals by David Da Silva (2), Wayne Stephens (2) and Pat Birch gave City of York V a thrilling 5-4 victory over division seven leaders Rotherham IV.

Oliver Scully was on target in City of York VI's 3-1 defeat by Slazengers IV in division eight. He snapped up his goal after a short corner strike by Nick Longster came back off the 'keeper's pads.

Stuart Burke, on the right wing, and midfielder James Wallis played well for York.

Sweeper Simon Taylor and centre marker Des Welch did well as City of York VII were beaten 2-0 at home by a youthful Wakefield IV in division seven.

Several City of York VIII players got stuck in Hull Fair traffic and their game at the Kingston Communications Stadium started late with York a man down.

Kingston-upon-Hull took full advantage to win 7-0 despite a brave display in goal by Nathan Sorby, who saved a penalty.

Updated: 09:04 Tuesday, October 21, 2003