RASKELF Rovers delivered the major shock of the John Smiths' Bitter Cup, which kick-started the new York John Smith's Sunday Morning Football League season.

Division five Rovers travelled to the division one stronghold of Pocklington and mocked the gap in the league by winning 1-0 courtesy of a goal two minutes from time by Andrew Metcalfe.

Another notable scalp fell to division five's New Earswick, who saw off Skelton of two divisions above. Skelton went ahead through Dave Pickles before a double salvo inside seven minutes from Lindsey turned the tie in Earswick's favour.

Shipton and Severus played out an 11-goal drama, the outcome favouring Severus 7-4, while Bay Horse Tadcaster ousted Acomb Rangers as 6-4 winners with goals from Bardy (3), Sebine, Zealand and Burlingham.

In the all first division battle between Hounds and Ainsty Panthers, Shane Forrest and Alan Clayton put Hounds 2-1 up by half-time. The game remained tight until John Carter secured the 3-1 win for Hounds late on.

It was a tale of brothers-in-arms as Wanderers dominated to beat Copmanthorpe 8-1. The majority of the goals came in the second half as the Hartas and Newton brothers grabbed the plunder along with Cammidge, and Brandon (2). Copmanthorpe's reply came from a Del Neaves penalty.

Selby Olympia Reserves stormed into a 5-0 half-time lead at Pocklington Rangers but a second half Darren Pearson hat-trick, including two penalties, sparked a mini Rangers revival before Olympia hit two more to seal the tie 7-3.

A Chris Charlesworth hat-trick for Albion Vaults saw off Rumours along with a goal from Lee Ward.

Updated: 10:26 Thursday, September 01, 2005