York and District Leeper Hare Football League clubs are flying the flag in their respective County Cup competitions.

Bishopthorpe surprisingly overcame the challenge of Wearside League opponents Stokesley 4-3 to join Nestl Rowntree in the semi-finals of the North Riding County Cup.

Selby-based Kartiers reached the semi-final of the Barkston Ash Cup by overcoming West Yorkshire League outfit Boston Spartans 1-0.

Kartiers had already disposed of West Yorkshire League premier division side Aberford Albion in a previous round.

Boroughbridge are continuing to progress in the West Riding County Cup, a competition that they have won twice in recent years.

In addition, York League sides Dunnington, Fulford United, Malton Bacon Factory, Riccall United, Norton United, Wilberfoss, Wheldrake, Barmby Moor Reserves and Riccall Reserves are still in their respective East Riding FA Cup competitions.

York and District League secretary Colin Atkinson said: "These victories emphasise the fact that the quality of the York Leeper Hare League football is on a par with the other neighbouring leagues of equal standing in the pyramid of football."

The York feelgood factor was certainly enhanced by Dringhouses who were not expected to get past Wearside League side Stokesley at Ferry Lane.

It looked as though the game was going to go the visitors' way when they opened the scoring after five minutes.

But David Allinson levelled the scores with a fine dipping shot and Kevin O'Brian put Bishopthorpe in front when he was left in the clear after a mistake by the Stokesley centre-back.

In the second half Bishopthorpe continued to press forward with Allinson causing the Stokesley defence problems down the wings.

Eddie Wegelius put them further ahead when he rode three challenges before unleashing an unstoppable shot from a tight angle with the Stokesley keeper rooted to the spot.

The visitors began to press forward, looking to get back into the tie but the Bishopthorpe defence held firm with Julian Todd having an outstanding game.

Bishopthorpe's fourth goal was scored from a quick break following a Stokesley corner, Spencer Martin stooping to head in a low cross from the left.

As time ran out Stokesley threw caution to the wind and pressed forward whereas the tiring Bishopthorpe players began resorting to time-wasting tactics and lost the initiative that they had held for most of the game.

A defensive lapse handed a second goal to the visitors to set up a nervous last ten minutes but Bishopthorpe held out until two minutes from time when Stokesley hit their third but they could not find that bit extra and indeed it was Bishopthorpe who looked the most likely to increase their lead in the dying seconds.

Updated: 12:01 Monday, January 22, 2001