Clifton Hotel have finally got their nose in front in the race for the Sunday Afternoon League championship after a fine 3-1 win over York Police.

In an even first half the only difference between the rivals was a Paul Bedingham goal for Hotel.

Clifton's advantage was doubled after the interval, courtesy of Michael Fox, but the remainder of the second period belonged to the policemen whose Daniel Wagstaff reduced the arrears.

But for the excellent defending of Chris Paxton and Carl O'Brien, Clifton's lead would have been wiped away before they secured all three points with a goal from Dale Phillips to move three points clear.

York Nomads yielded joint leadership after suffering a surprise 3-2 reverse to improving Ebor Bishopthorpe.

Paul Inman gave Nomads the lead with a header from a Rich Leeming corner.

The visitors responded with an equalising header from Simon Rycroft.

Two second half goals from Ebor's leading marksman Karl Walsh ensured his side deservedly earned the points despite Steve Jefferson pulling one back.

Ebor's third win in five games, looks to have ensured safety from relegation, as is the case for Cross Keys after a third straight win.

Goals from Triffid and Mullen sank fellow relegation contenders Firkin 103.

The biggest league victory this season was recorded by second division College of Law who crushed CB United 19-0.

Promotion rivals Haxby United won by a five-goal margin at Bubwith Hunters, with Matthew Stericker netting twice. Warden, Dyson and Wadsworth also scored.

Goole-based outfit Rawcliffe United maintained their claim for silverware with a 6-1 win at local rivals Black Dog, Camblesforth.

Yearsley Grove's relegation worries deepened after their 3-0 home defeat by Clifton Rangers.

Ben Firth gave the visitors the lead, doubled with an Adam Johnson near-post header. Damien Greig's close-range volley wrapped up the points.

Saville AV extended their lead at the top of the third division to six points after their 6-1 win at Central Science Laboratory, for whom Michael Quintero scored.

Seven points adrift of Saville, but with two games in hand, are Wigginton Grasshoppers, who beat Acomb Athletic 3-1 with goals from O'Loughlin (2) and Lea. Mike Van der Heever scored the lone reply.

Old Grey Mare enjoyed a 4-2 victory at Grimcrack, thanks largely to a Graham Donaldson hat-trick. Terry Taylor hit the fourth, while Kelly Godling struck twice in reply.

Rose and Crown failed went down 2-1 at Haxby United Spartans.

Bradley Dunne hit the pub side's consolation while Garry Rylance netted for the Spartans. The winnner came via an own goal.

Updated: 11:49 Friday, April 13, 2001