CITY of York lead the Northern Hockey League first division by three points after an efficient 2-0 victory over Chester.

It was a vital win for York who face second-placed Oxton this Saturday and Durham University II at home the following day.

City opted to play a defensive strategy and rely more than usual on breakaways, and it paid off.

Man of the match James Gilbert made several surging runs down the left to create problems and he broke the deadlock with a shot after a curving run had brought him into Chester's 'D'.

York lost Chris Wilson, who was impressive on the opposing wing, through injury at half-time, but they went further ahead after the interval when the second of two short corners was forced home, after a scramble, by Gilbert.

Chester responded with several short corners but York's defence was sound, particularly Karim Ramli and Luke Griggs.

Once Chester's purple patch was over, York put together the best move of the match.

The ball travelled from man to man down the left before being clipped inside to Volker Biederich who squared it to Peter Richardson. Coming in at speed, Richardson couldn't quite make a clean contact and the chance of crowning a superb move with a goal was gone.

Gilbert came close to his hat-trick with an effort just past a post and York were good value for their win.

Billingham I handed City of York II an 8-0 victory when they conceded their NHL division two East game after their 'keeper was injured in a challenge with Roz Ramli.

York had begun slowly but went ahead against the run of play when John Raper converted Olly Couttie's cross.

York eventually got their passing game together and went 2-0 up with a superb drag-flick from Couttie.

Rob Blackburn added another goal when he picked up a rebound off the 'keeper and Raper made it 4-0 after half-time.

From then on it was one-way traffic. Graham Cook fired in a penalty after Richard Jenkin was fouled in the 'D', and soon after, Billingham's net-minder was injured and the game came to a premature close.

City of York III continued their Yorkshire League division four roller-coaster season with a 2-1 home defeat by Harrogate III.

Peter Foulsham shot York ahead from a third-minute short corner but Harrogate equalised within five minutes. Despite plenty of possession York could not score and Harrogate snatched victory against the run of play.

Defensive errors cost City of York IV a share of the division four spoils against Lincoln II as they lost 4-2.

John Jenkin fired York ahead but Lincoln levelled before half-time and then nudged in front. Andy Wilson netted York's equaliser but as they pushed for a winner, York left themselves exposed at the back and Lincoln seized on two mistakes to win.

City of York V's disappointing division six season continued with a 6-1 drubbing at Leeds University III, Tony Neave scoring for York who were well served by sweeper Simon Casterton and 'keeper Matthew Merrick.

City of York VI could not hang on to victory against Harrogate IV in division six.

An attacking run by Phil McNaughton was finished off by Richard Tanner-Smith to give York the lead. Harrogate piled on the pressure after half-time and York 'keeper Mark Burn made some fine saves, only to be beaten two minutes from time.

Stuart Patterson's promising left-wing debut was one of few bright spots in City of York VII's 5-0 division eight defeat at Bradford III.

A City of York VIII team, whose average age was less than 15, were beaten 6-0 by Leeds University V.

Ashley Watson excelled in goal and there were also good individual performances by Matthew Longster, Henry Burton and Tom Greenwood.

Paul Snape made a string of fine saves during City of York Under 12 Boys 'A's Yorkshire Youth League fixtures at Leeds Metro University.

York, who play in Division 'D', lost their opening match 3-0 to Thirsk but hit back to beat Boston Spa 1-0 thanks to Becky Harris' goal.

The third game was drawn 0-0 with Colne valley and the final two games, against Normanby Park and Slazengers, were both lost 1-0.

The Under 12 'B' team had mixed fortunes against Brigg, Thirsk and Hull YPI.

After losing the first game against Brigg 1-0, a re-organised team gave an improved display against Thirsk.

Jonathan Kilmartin was the backbone of the team and was rewarded with the only goal of the game.

Hull YPI proved to be tougher opposition and despite some good attacks, York were unable to penetrate the defence. York 'keeper Grant Wilson, who had made several excellent saves, was eventually beaten by the game's only goal.

Updated: 11:24 Tuesday, November 13, 2001