Chris Foster smashed in one of Acomb's fastest-ever hat-tricks as their second team beat Ben Rhydding 5-3 in Yorkshire League division nine.

A rash tackle in the 'D' by Peter Hilton to stop a goal-scoring chance saw the Ilkley-based side take the lead with a penalty stroke.

Rhydding made it 2-0 just before half-time after some poor Acomb defending enabled the centre forward to scoop the ball over goalkeeper Steve Church, who is to join City of York next season.

But after 15 minutes of scintillating hockey after the interval Acomb were 4-2 up thanks to a Martin Grainge's close-range shot and Foster's quickfire treble.

A deliberate back stick by Danny Brown gave Rhydding their second penalty stroke but Church easily saved a poor shot.

Simon Theaker made it 5-2 with Rhydding scoring late on in the game.

York St John College men's I beat Huddersfield VIII 3-1 with goals from Tom Carter (2) and Sam Baker.

The students still have a number of unplayed games to rearrange, but with a comfortable goal difference should gain promotion to division nine.

Ben Foster was on target for City of York VII as they were crushed 9-1 by Adel V in division eight, but should stay up.

City of York VIII, fighting to stay in division ten, may need to beat Scunthorpe I in their final game to avoid the drop after losing 4-2 at Harrogate VI.

Substitute Bernard Chase made an immediate impact, exchanging passes with Andy Dent before putting York ahead.

Harrogate cashed in on poor marking to go ahead after the break before Alex Herriott flicked in York's second at a short corner.

Steve Patterson and goalkeeper David Horn had fine games for York.

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, April 08, 2003