Yorkshire Herald and Wigginton will contest this year's John Smith's Bitter Cup final after both sides won their respective semi-finals by the same 2-1 scoreline.

Steve Jackson gave Herald the lead against New Earswick only for Phillip Hart to level things for the visitors before half-time. In a tight second half Graham Ward hit the winner for Herald.

In the second semi Wigginton progressed after controlling most of the game against Marcia.

Adam Wash and Graeme Butcher gave Wigginton a 2-0 lead by half-time and only some outstanding goalkeeping from Scott Clapham in the Marcia goal prevented Wigginton from running up a bigger score.

A late goal gave Marcia brief hope of taking the game into extra time but the Wigginton defence proved resilient.

In the one remaining quarter-final tie in the Mecca Trophy, Thorpe Utd eased their way through with a 6-2 defeat of Hemingbrough. Stacey Bramley, Danny Crowther and Andy Moore gave the visitors a 3-1 half-time lead and further goals from Chris Smith, Nigel Emery and Paul Ramsey completed the scoring.

In division one, Nestl Rowntree's title hopes faded with a 2-1 defeat at relegation-threatened Zafs.

Richardson gave Zafs the lead five minutes before the break but Battersby brought Rowntree level on the hour. An own goal gave Zafs the lead again after 80 minutes and they held out for victory.

Severus gave themselves renewed hope with a 4-1 win at Derwent Utd courtesy of goals from James (2), Kitson and Lake.

Mitchell, Gladwell, Cygan and Collier all hit the net to give Hounds a resounding 4-0 success at Middleton Celtic.

Volunteers had to be content with a point in a 1-1 draw with improving Acomb WMC. Joe Gaughan gave Volunteers the lead only for Paul King to equalise.

In division two Derwent Arms moved into third place, level on points with Pack of Cards, after a 3-0 success at Riccall.

Mark Triffitt opened the scoring with a brilliant solo effort in the first half. Neil Richardson doubled the lead early in the second half and a third followed from Andrew Triffitt. The woodwork came to Riccall's rescue on several occasions.

Neil Ducey struck four times with Nelson and Beddingham scoring one apiece as Pack of Cards consolidated second place with a 6-2 victory at Copmanthorpe, whose scorers were David Haslam and Richard Appleton.

Shipton found themselves 4-0 down by half-time at Fulford Bay but woke up in the second half to rescue a point in a 4-4 draw. Goals from Paul Downes (2) and Jack Wilson gave FC Magnet a 3-1 win at the Dell against Jubilee.

The top two met in division three with goals from Glen Hinds and Graham Astle securing a 2-0 victory for Blacksmiths Arms over Selby Olympia.

Pocklington moved into second spot with a 5-0 thumping of Nestl Flag, Graham Whitehead scoring a hat-trick..

The bottom two met with honours ending even at 3-3 between Wilberfoss and Bishopthorpe Utd, Mark Tomlinson (2) and Andy Timbs the scorers for Wilberfoss.

Pride of place in division four went to Gary Newbold who scored seven of Beeswing's goals in their 8-1 success over Derwent Utd Reserves, Scott Pickard netting their other.

The win keeps Beeswing's promotion hopes alive, especially as rivals Cygnet went down 2-1 to St Clements WMC. Paul Nicholson scored for Cygnet but goals from Tony Weaver and Steve Halliday secured the points for St Clements.

Wigginton GH continued to improve with a 4-1 win over Raskelf Rovers, the goals coming from Rob Murphy, Matt Fannon, David Thompson and Ben Coates.

Wayne Pink hit a hat-trick as Black Bull continued their push for promotion with a 5-4 home win over Inland Revenue.

Two goals from Cockland gave York Nomads a 2-0 win at Haxby Lions to maintain their six point lead at the top of the division.

Copmanthorpe Reserves' hopes took a blow as they went down 2-1 at Middleton Celtic Reserves, Matt Bastock their scorer.

Volunteer Reserves enjoyed a 6-0 win over Greyhound in division six, Lee Bartlett (3), Steve Stone (2) and Russ Barley the scorers. Burnholme stayed top with a 4-0 away win at Wanderers.

Updated: 11:38 Friday, April 06, 2001