Although the promotion issue is already settled in division three the title race is far from over.

T&L Selby took a big step towards that prize when they defeated Strensall 3-1.

Goals from Paul Tanton and Dave Reasbeck, supplemented by an own goal, enabled them to go five points clear. Mick Pipe replied for Strensall.

Elsewhere Rawcliffe Rangers were holding the other contenders, Hamilton Panthers, to a scoreless draw.

But they still have a game in hand on T&L and they have to play each other twice in the next week.

Johnathan Scutt and Simon Wheeler scored as Wheldrake gave themselves a slim chance of avoiding re-election with a 2-0 home win over Wilberfoss and at Marton-cum-Grafton Mark Walker, Stuart Briggs, Paul Stephenson and Steve O'Mahoney were the scorers as Selby RSSC won 4- 0.

Dringhouses moved comfortably into the title spot in reserve 'A' with a 5-0 win at home to Nestl Rowntree, who now look almost certainties for relegation.

Steve Cross netted a hat-trick with Alan Ellis and Mark Ratcliffe contributing one apiece. Teenager Ben Small continued his debut season scoring-spree when the teenager hit a hat trick as Dunnington beat visiting New Earswick 3-1.

Over at Huntington Dave Bradshaw opened the scoring for Old Malton after a scoreless first half but Guy Ulliott equalised.

Osbaldwick took a major step in the relegation dogfight by beating nearest rivals Haxby Town 7-3. Gwyn Jones gave Haxby the lead but Osbaldwick then took command with goals from Mark Triffitt (2), Rob Orr (2), Nick Morton, Steve Dagnall (pen) and Mark Crangle.

Ryan Foy and Danny Grainger added further goals for Haxby.

Tom Coates scored all three goals for Wigginton Grasshoppers as they won 3-1 at home to St John's College with Andy Stephens replying.

Dave O'Connor netted his 23rd goal of the season for Pocklington but to no avail as they suffered defeat at home to Kartiers when Ben Donkin put through his own goal to give the visitors their winner after an early opener from Neil Taylor.

The Reserve 'B' match of the day was at Wigginton where Black Horse secured the title with a 2-1 win over nearest rivals Civil Service. Jamie Seal was the hero with both the Wigginton goals.

Remarkably, Black Horse had unusual help when the game was held up for ten minutes by a loose horse invading the pitch, avoiding several attempts to be recaptured.

Shaun Duncan scored from the penalty spot and Phil Harper hit the winner as Barmby Moor secured the points which should see them avoid relegation in a 2-1 win at home to Poppleton. Chris Cook replied for Poppleton who are already safe.

Rufforth went down 3-1 at Easingwold who hit them with two goals in two minutes in the first half. James Slater (2) and Micky Raper were the Easingwold marksmen.

Rufforth managed a consolation ten minutes from time but they now need to win their remaining games to avoid the drop. Elsewhere Tony Fowler netted the only goal of the game after 25 minutes as Riccall won at Fulford.

Haxby and Wigginton have emerged as Reserve 'C' title favourites after winning 1-0 at in-form Heslington courtesy of a goal on 15 minutes from Richard Hunt, while much-fancied Boroughbridge were surprisingly losing 3-2 at home to Wilberfoss.

Haxby and Wigginton's last game of the season at Wilberfoss could decide the title.

LNER Builders are not yet safe from the threat of having to apply for re-election after losing 4-0 at Heworth.

Ian Wilkinson gave the home side a slender first half lead but Jamie Allerton, Liam Masterton and Stuart Mann increased their advantage after the break.

Updated: 12:30 Tuesday, April 24, 2001