CITY of York have built up a nine-point lead at the top of the Northern Counties League division one table, following back-to-back wins over the weekend.

York saw off Wirral-based outfit Oxton 3-2 on Saturday, while 24 hours later Durham University succumbed 2-1.

The top-of-the-table clash at Oxton didn't disappoint its billing.

The hosts were out of the blocks the quicker of the two sides, but it was City of York who made the first breakthrough.

Chris Dutton, who had his best game for City and caused Oxton's defence no end of problems, played a one-two with Jimmy Gilbert resulting in a clever reverse stick pass into an open goal.

Dutton continued to surge ahead and he collected a second with a sweeping move involving a brilliant pass from skipper Mark Moisley in midfield.

City were full value for their lead at this stage, but words of caution at half-time seemed to fall on deaf ears as Oxton came back strongly after the break.

An Oxton forward broke into York's D and despite being fouled, played the advantage to score.

Continued Oxton pressure kept York on the back foot which, coupled with injuries to defender Karim Ramli and Gilbert, gave way to an inevitable equaliser. A hard hit into the D was smartly deflected past City's 'keeper, Jimmy Riley.

City of York never gave up and, despite being under relentless pressure by the home side, they made several breaks on the counter.

With five minutes to go, Gordon Jennings won possession deep in City's bottom right corner, played the ball to Dutton on the halfway line who laid a pass through the inside right channel to fellow forward Glyn Humphrey.

Humphrey took the ball at pace round his marker into the right of the D and unleashed a brilliant strike high into the net for City's winner.

Against Durham Uni, City had to draft in a couple of replacements due to the injury situation, which meant they had to dig deep to gather the victory they were seeking.

It was Durham, however, who took the lead when a short corner strike found its way between 'keeper Riley and defender Ramli.

Despite this setback, the first time this year City have been behind in a game, City showed great resolve to rescue the situation and restore parity before half-time.

A short corner saw Humphrey's deceptive strike deflected in by Rob Blackburn for his debut first team goal.

The second half saw City of York play with greater possession and composure and force several chances particularly through Biederich and Wilson but they could not manage to get the ball on target.

However, the path was laid for Humphrey who scored City's winner with a great finish.

City play host to fourth-placed Deeside Ramblers next weekend.

City of York II overcame a hesitant start to beat Norton I 3-0 in their NHL Division Two East clash.

After repelling the early Norton onslaught, City began to settle and took the lead through Roz Ramli.

From here, City dominated the half, only to see some gilt-edged chances go begging.

Norton attempted to get back into the game after the break, with James Baugham called to make two fine saves.

But York quickly regained their composure with John Raper netting after a fine passing move.

Rob Blackburn then sealed the result when his reverse stick shot flew into the net.

A hat-trick from Jason Bemrose helped City of York III to a 5-1 victory over Driffield I.

Two fine strikes from Bemrose put York in the driving seat at the break, while Matt Todd made it 3-0 soon after half-time.

Further strikes from Bemrose and Todd sealed the win, although Driffield did manage to grab a late consolation.

Simple mistakes were to prove costly for City of York IV as they lost 3-1 at Hull III.

City lost their way after half-time and they gave the ball away too frequently. Hull made the most of the situation to bag three goals before City hit back through Edward Shouksmith.

City of York V picked up their first win of the season with a 2-1 victory over Huddersfield III.

City were on top from the start with goals from Mark McKie and Jan Butler giving them a 2-0 lead at the break.

The second half was a different story as Huddersfield hit back to score, but City held out well.

Not even the fine form of 'keeper Mark Burn could prevent Ben Rhydding V inflicting a 1-0 defeat on City of York VI.

Burn saved a first-half penalty, but he could do little to stop the winner.

City of York VII were left feeling hard done by as they lost 2-1 to Slazengers IV.

Neil Reader scored for City after the hosts had taken the lead, but Slazengers snatched the win with a goal from a short corner.

The ten men of City of York VIII suffered a 6-1 reverse against Wakefield IV, Graham Dent netting their only goal.

Tadcaster I skipper Cattle scored both his side's goals - one a penalty stroke - as they went down 4-2 to Chapeltown in Yorkshire League division five.

It was the same story for Tadcaster II, who also went down 4-2 to the same Sheffield-based opposition in YL division eight.

Tad were without a recognised goalkeeper and Chapeltown moved into a 3-0 lead before Dave Posliff's first goal for the club put Tadcaster back into contention.

Chapeltown restored their three-goal cushion but Tad piled on the pressure towards the end and were rewarded with another goal scored by Rob Hill after good work by Andy Dowell.

Updated: 12:10 Tuesday, November 20, 2001