ONLY Nestle Rowntree, of the Leeper Hare York and District League division one promotion contenders, were in action on Saturday and they took full advantage to win 3-1 win at Post Office to move to the top.

Andy Tuite gave Post Office a first-half lead and it took until the 65th minute for 'Trees to level. They added a second five minutes later and sealed victory with a third goal in injury time.

Haxby seem to have recovered from their bad patch A hat-trick from Ben Drummond and one from Jez Hansboro gave them a 4-2 win at Civil Service, but it may be too late to salvage a promotion spot, especially with the current form of Riccall who won in midweek.

The defeat leaves Civil Service in the drop zone and they must win their last match at Malton Bacon Factory to have any hope of avoiding relegation.

Barmby Moor looked certainties for relegation after a 2-0 home defeat to Thorpe although maximum points from their remaining three games would give them hope.

The other team deep in relegation trouble is Fulford, who suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Malton Bacon Factory despite taking the lead through Wayne Carter. Bacon Factory equalised just before half-time and went on to score twice more in the second half.

Hammerton continue to head division two after a 4-1 win against Heslington, while Huby, their nearest rivals, were soundly beaten at Stamford Bridge.

Heslington took the lead at Hammerton but Mark Latimer hit a hat-trick and Tim Wilkinson added a fourth as the leaders ran out easy winners.

Huby were given a footballing lesson as Julian Peck (2), Nick Rank, Jamie Rank and Peter Carpenter hit Stamford's goals in their 5-0 win. This defeat for Huby follows a midweek draw at Copmanthorpe as their title challenge appears to be faltering at a crucial time.

White Horse made it seven wins on the trot as they overcame Easingwold 5-2 with goals from Nigel Chester, Mark McCory (3) and Scott Griffiths. However, the score did not do justice to Easingwold who dominated long periods of the second half only to fall victim to breakaway goals.

Hemingbrough did their fight to avoid relegation no harm at all as they thumped third-bottom Norton 7-1.

Danny Smith (3), Lee Young, Lee Ward, Dave Jackson and Pete Todd got their names on the scoresheet. Norton's solitary response came from the penalty spot.

Copmanthorpe and Haxby & Wigginton produced an entertaining encounter with Richard Iggulston scoring early in the game for the Haxby side. Darren Pugh in the Haxby & Wigginton goal pulled off a string of fine saves as Copmanthorpe dominated the second half as they searched in vain for an equaliser.

Both the leading teams in division three recorded comfortable away wins.

Elvington Harriers held T&L Selby until the 70th minute but then conceded three, while Hamilton Panthers finished off third-placed Moor Lane's promotion challenge with a 4-0 win.

Paul King opened the scoring from the penalty spot to be followed by Daniel Midgley (2) and Neil Rankiellior. This result ensures that T&L and Hamilton Panthers are promoted.

They must now contest the championship trophy between them and they have to play each other twice in the remaining games.

Rawcliffe had four-goal Paul Beddingham to thank for their 6-1 win at Wilberfoss. Dave Newton added two more before Murray Ogle netted a consolation goal for Wilberfoss in the 80th minute.

Marton cum Grafton virtually ensured that they will not have to apply for re-election after winning 2-1 at Strensall. Tony Mason scored for the home side in a game played at Heworth's Hopgrove ground because of the foot and mouth restrictions at Strensall.

Updated: 12:01 Monday, April 16, 2001