The thaw arrived just in time to ensure that all but five of the 37 scheduled matches took place in the Leeper Hare York and District League.

Haxby Town took full advantage in their charge towards a quick return to the premier division as they overcame the determined challenge of Post Office in a scrappy game.

They were helped on their way when the Post Office keeper misjudged a corner and could only help the ball into his own net via the back of a defender in the 35th minute.

Five minutes later Matthew Knowles ran clear of the Haxby defence to equalise but the game was decided five minutes from time when Haxby were awarded a penalty for handball and Gavin Scoreby converted.

Nestl Rowntree and South Bank, two potential promotion contenders, dropped points as they drew 6-6 in a Mille Crux thriller.

South Bank's Sean Turner netted four times with Mark Belleh and Dave Hyde adding one apiece as the visitors tried in vain to pull clear of their determined hosts.

'Trees refused to buckle and equalised no fewer than three times, took the lead once and then had to equalise yet again in the last minute through Matty Wain to snatch a deserved point. Their other goalscorers were Will Kilner (2), James Gore (2) and Steve Blake.

St John's moved into second place with a 3-1 win at Osbaldwick who are finding life in division one very competitive following last season's relegation.

Dave Watson gave Osbaldwick the lead which they held until half time. The students responded with second-half goals from Jim Middleditch, Mark Smith and Jamie Angelsea.

A single goal from Jamie Ward midway through the second half gave Malton Bacon Factory victory over Thorpe United. The Factory team are now beginning to find consistent form and, with games in hand, could yet mount a promotion challenged.

At the foot of the table, Riccall took a valuable three points with a 3-2 home win over Wigginton Black Horse. Sean Steward and Paul Brough netted for Riccall and with games in hand they should be able to move into mid-table security. Black Horse had Antony Luck and Graham Vickers to thank for their goals.

Barmby Moor jumped four places up the table with a 2-1 win at Fulford thanks to goals by Stewart Askew after 30 minutes and Rob Bradley mid-way through the second half. Wayne Carter pulled one back for Fulford with 15 minutes left.

Hammerton's reign at the top of division two is under threat after their 3-0 defeat at second-placed Stamford Bridge.

Pete Carpenter gave Bridge a first-half lead and goals in the second half from Simon Stancliffe and Julian Peck wrapped up a comfortable win.

Hammerston's nearest challengers before Saturday's games, Huby and Copmanthorpe, both suffered defeats.

Huby went down to a painful 5-2 defeat at Stillington for whom centre-half Gavin Howell bagged a hat-trick with Shaun Inman and Nick Thornycroft adding further goals. Goals from the prolific Andrew Metcalfe and Rich Jennison could do little to stave off defeat for Huby.

Easingwold continued their rise up the table with their third win on the trot, this time at third-placed Copmanthorpe.

Tony Snowdon gave them a great start after two minutes but the experienced Darren Starkey levelled matters before half-time. Starkey put Copmanthorpe in front after the break but Andrew Bell equalised for Easingwold before Snowdon stole the show with two more goals to complete his hat-trick in a 4-2 victory.

Poppleton grabbed their first win of the season with a 3-0 victory over struggling Hemingbrough in the bottom-of-the-table clash, 17-year-old John Beech scoring all three goals.

Norton and Heworth fought out a scoreless draw.

Elvington Harriers' recent good form in division three came to a resounding end as they were mauled 9-0 by a rampant Hamilton Panthers.

Paul King topped the goal glut with a hat-trick and Ian Rankellior (2), Danny Midgley, Adrian Rowley and Matthew Wright were all on the scoresheet.

Moor Lane's promotion challenge also suffered a set-back as they were beaten 6-2 by T&L Selby who moved into second place. Nick Smith and Paul Jones managed consolation goals for Moor Lane.

LNER Builders returned to winning ways after a series of recent defeats in a tight and entertaining game at home to Wilberfoss.

John Parkin opened the scoring for Wilberfoss and Builders' Steve Smith missed a penalty before Tudor Carrington equalised before half-time and then hit the winner with two minutes remaining.

Rawcliffe Rangers and Selby RSSC looked to be heading for a scoreless draw until Dave Newton netted for Rangers with a 25-yard freekick in the 75th minute but the Railway Club hit back to equalise.

Updated: 12:04 Monday, January 22, 2001