City of York I maintained their place at the top of the Northern Hockey league first division after overcoming former coach Mike Thornicroft's Chester 4-2.

The final score did not reflect York's superiority but the result, plus the fact their title rivals were taking points off each other, meant York began the second half of the season in the best way possible.

After a month of non-activity because of frozen pitches, York feared they might be ill-prepared, but they began well and took the lead after Chris Wilson, capitalising on space down the right, saw his mis-hit shot lead to a short corner, from which Volker Biederich scored.

York continued to press, with Luke Griggs scraping the post and James Gilbert seeing two shots saved before Griggs hit home a reverse-stick shot.

Chester fought back with several short corners but after the interval York went 3-0 ahead from a counter-attack, Biederich and Chris Dutton being involved in Wilson's goal.

Chester began to pour men forward and scored from a short corner. However, they left gaps at the back and, from one of Nick Carter's 16-yard hits to the right, Wilson broke clear and fired in a shot which hit the bar.

More chances followed before Biederich made it 4-1 with a deflected shot, with some nave defending allowing Chester another consolation late on.

Billingham I compensated for their limited ability with a physical approach against City of York II but never troubled the hosts, who played some good hockey in their 4-0 win.

Mark Little tore Billingham apart and opened the scoring from a short corner. However, City continually played down the middle into Billingham's hands.

The second half was scrappy despite York's efforts but, as Billingham tired, more chances were created.

Graham Cook's strong run helped set up Luke Ramli to give a scoring pass to Richard Jenkin, then a switched short corner brought David Rowlands a goal, and finally Little scored his second with a fierce shot.

City of York III, despite having only the bare 11, won 3-1 at Yorkshire league division four leaders Harrogate III.

City created several early chances but were denied by some superb saves before Adam Jackson netted from a short corner.

After the break, City kept the initiative and made it two through Jason Bemrose from a short corner.

Harrogate scrambled one back and put the pressure on, but York's defence held out and the impressive Ian Wiggins set up Bemrose for the killer third.

City of York IV were pasted 6-0 in division four by a skilful Lincoln II. Only Ashley Watson in goal kept the score down while York could only create two half-chances.

City of York V beat the VIII's team 5-2 in a friendly. City VIII surprised their peers early and went ahead through a well-worked David Horn goal.

Two goals by Alex Cochram turned things round and in the second half V showed their class with goals by David de Silva and James Still.

VIII then reduced the arrears through the impressive Tom Sorby, but from one of VIII's many wasted passes de Silva led a break and scored his second.

City of York VI beat Harrogate IV 4-1 despite seeing 'Gate take the lead with a deflected Richard Tanner-Smith own goal.

Tanner-Smith netted at the right end with a penalty after Alex Crompton had equalised, and Crompton went on to complete a fine hat-trick. Mark Burn saved two 'Gate penalties with the scores at 1-1.

City of York VII, weakened by late cry-offs, lost 5-1 to division eight leaders Bradford III.

It was only 1-0 at half-time but Bradford scored three times with Damian Greig in the sin-bin. Richard Tanner-Smith netted a consolation but Bradford had the last word.

Updated: 11:57 Tuesday, January 15, 2002