THE division three title race in Leeper Hare York and District League has opened up as leaders Sheriff Hutton suffered their second consecutive defeat.

They lost 2-0 at home to Elvington Harriers.

A first-half goal by John Rogerson and a Luke Dove strike after the break did the damage.

Wilberfoss moved into contention with a 4-1 home win over Rawcliffe Rangers.

Mark Tomlinson hit two first-half goals to set them on their way and Shaun Hodgson and Julian Atkinson secured the win in the second half. Rawcliffe's goal came from a second-half penalty.

Wheldrake hung on for a 3-2 win at home to Hemingbrough after being reduced to nine men for the last 20 minutes and surviving a penalty scare.

The visitors took an early lead through Danny Smith from the penalty spot, but Wheldrake gradually gained the upper hand and Nick Henshaw equalised before half-time.

Henshaw put Wheldrake into the lead early in the second half but Hemingbrough fought their way back and Martin Greaves made it 2-2 in the 60th minute.

Soon after that the home side were reduced to ten men, but Andrew Wood managed to scramble their third goal from a free kick.

They then lost another man for remarks made to the referee and had to hang on for the win.

Hemingbrough were awarded another penalty with four minutes remaining but this time the ball went inches wide and that was their last chance in the match.

Poppleton moved into second spot with a home win over Marton cum Grafton.

After going 4-0 up, Poppleton almost let Marton back into the game as they scored twice but further goals finally sealed a 6-3 result.

Poppleton's goals came from Matthew Woodcock (2), Craig Suttle, Joe Vaughan (2) and James Barrett.

Strensall won 3-1 at Moor Lane with goals from Chris Graham (2) and Tony Mason but the home side missed chances and their only goal came from Charlie Goodwin when they were already three down.

Updated: 11:57 Monday, December 17, 2001