York Nomads' hopes of winning the York Sunday Afternoon League title nosedived when they lost to Drax United - their third league defeat in four games.

Nomads took a 15th-minute lead with an own goal but, after having the better chances, allowed John Petch to level just before the interval.

Paul Inman restored Nomad's lead before the referee could blow for half-time, but Drax outclassed their hosts in the second half, scoring through Damian Bowers (2) and Nick Colley to deservedly win 4-2.

Rookes United's efforts to clear the relegation zone by playing three games over Easter failed to bear fruit as they picked up just one point.

They played a double-header against York Police and after losing the first game 2-0 to a goal from Wood and Hopper they fared better in the second encounter, drawing 3-3.

Rich Beddows put United in front only to see Dave Hopper score twice to put the visitors 2-1 up. Police made it 3-1 after the break through Chappel but Pete Harris (2) levelled things.

On Tuesday, United entertained fellow relegation contenders, Firkin 103, who won 1-0 to leave the hosts deep in relegation trouble.

The only second division game saw Black Dog Camblesforth put an end to Burton Stone's hopes of promotion as they won 2-1 thanks to goals by Brechany and Gaynor.

Honours were even in division three as Acomb Athletic and Gimcrack played each other twice with each side winning their home tie.

In the first game, Gimcrack won 4-2 thanks to goals from Rouse, Codling and Shaw (2). Mike Van der Heever hit both the Acomb replies.

In the second game, Acomb won 7-4 thanks largely to a four-goal haul from Dean Kilbridge. Fairclough, Floyde and Van der Heever also scored, with Codling (2), Mitchell and Shaw replying.

Updated: 13:00 Friday, April 20, 2001