SEVERUS WMC booked their place in the semi-finals of the John Smith's Sunday League Challenge Cup with a 4-3 win over second division Pocklington.

They looked to be cruising as they took a 3-0 half-time lead with goals from McShane (penalty) Lake and Woodward. Pocklington fought back in the second period with goals from Eeles, Millet and O'Conner but Woodward's second goal proved to be decisive.

Results in division one also went double-chasing Severus's way.

Second placed Nestl Rowntree travelled to Hounds where a Collier hat-trick helped the home side to a 6-2 win.

With Wigginton's game against New Earswick a casualty of the weather, Volunteers had a chance to move up to third but couldn't take it.

Despite playing with ten men for the entire game they managed to draw 3-3 at FC Magnet with Colin Rayner (2) and Luke Bilham the scorers. Paul Downes (2) and John Harrison netted for Magnet.

Acomb WMC got the better of Pack of Cards by the odd goal in five. Jones gave Pack the lead but a James Hewitson penalty levelled after the break and further goals from Cross and an own goal gave Acomb a 3-1 advantage. Howcroft pulled one back for Pack late on.

In division two, first half goals from Midgeley, Fletcher and Moore and Anderson ensured Jubilee remain on top as they beat Shipton 4-1, Russell scoring for the visitors.

It was a similar story at Blacksmith Arms as they took a four goal half-time lead through James Whelan (2), Paul Peake and Darren Heels before Matt Benson scored a consolation goal for Carlton.

Selby Olympia's promotion hopes suffered a minor setback when they were held 1-1 by Fulford Bay. Pearson gave Olympia the lead on 20 minutes but an Ian Featherstone own goal on the stroke of half-time gifted the visitors a point.

It's getting tight at the top of division three as all the leading clubs dropped points. Leaders The Mount went down 2-1 at home to Bishopthorpe for whom Sykes and Dale scored. Dave Clark netted for The Mount.

Otis Bar could only draw 1-1 with bottom club Wilberfoss, who have now given themselves hope of avoiding the drop.

Acomb SC also had to settle for a point after a 2-2 draw with Nestl Flag. Dalby gave them the lead but a fine strike on the hour from O'Donnell levelled matters for Flag before Ross then put them in front. Dalby equalised for Acomb with his second goal.

Beeswing will be happier than St Clement's after they shared the points in a 1-1 draw. Hudson fired Beeswing in front only for Philips to equalise.

In division four, Haxby took advantage of lapses in Hemingbrough's defence to take a 2-0 lead through Drummond and Cook. Stephenson pulled one back for the leaders four minutes from time but Haxby held on to win and boost their own title hopes.

James Barrick scored twice as Black Bull continued their good form with a 4-3 win at Wigginton GH for whom Tom Coates also scored twice. Holmes blasted home a 35-yard winner for Keystones to win 2-1 at Acomb Celtic.

At the foot of division five relegated Northern Spirit were in no mood to go down without having a say in who may join them. They beat Knavesmire 4-1 with two goals each for Neil Yeowart and Dave Wright.

Opticare now look odds on to lift the title after Volunteer Reserves went down 4-1 at Boy and Barrel. Lambton (2), Littlewood and Dodgson scored for the home side. Burnholme kept their outside hopes alive with a narrow 2-1 win at Greyhound, Thornton scoring both goals.

Wanderers secured their safety with a 2-1 win over Sporting CS, Fisher and Desbrough the scorers.

Burton Stone travelled to Barlby in division six with only ten men and valiantly held them until the second half when the extra man finally told when the home side rattled in four without reply from Hughes (2), Wilkes and Hamblin to wrap up a 4-0 win.

Hambleton returned to winning ways with a 5-1 win over Heslington with Dallison and Rawson getting two each.

Goals from Free, Goldsborough and Cowley saw Kings Arms take all three points with a 3-0 win at Beefeater. First York gave themselves a boost in their attempt to avoid the wooden spoon with a 2-2 draw against Northern Wall, Sampson and Worrall were their scorers with Hodgson and Whitehead replying.

Any clubs wishing to join the John Smith's League next season to contact Garry Carter on 01904 630593 for further information.

Updated: 12:08 Friday, March 08, 2002