THERE was home comfort at last for Nestl Rowntree in the Leeper Hare York and District Football League premier division.
The 'Trees posse recorded their first home win in six attempts at Mille Crux after beating Haxby 4-1.
The hero of the hour, or rather 46 minutes, was striker Andy Kennedy, who hit a decisive hat-trick in that span of just over three-quarters of an hour.
In between Kennedy's triple treat was a Matty White chip over the advancing Haxby goalkeeper.
Dunnington produced another surprise result in the top-flight by winning 4-2 at Wiggington.
Two goals from Chris Burgess gave the visitors the early advantage, but Darren Brandon and Jamie Seal struck to level for the hosts before Burgess completed his hat-trick. He also missed a penalty, but a Robert Hart strike sealed Dunnington's first win in four games.
Thorpe United avenged last week's FA Cup defeat at the hands of Huntington by beating the same opposition 4-1 at home.
Thorpe were two up inside ten minutes through Alan Jackson and Shane Singleton. Huntington pulled one back before the break, but another Singleton strike early after the re-start and a Craig Pickles goal four minutes from time confirmed Thorpe's fifth consecutive home win.
Malton Bacon Factory perished again to York St John's 3-2, following their exit to the same foes last week. For the students, Robin Bedford (2) and Mike Maxim scored, Simon Collins replying with a brace.
Kartiers stretched their unbeaten home run to seven games following their 2-0 win over Pocklington with both goals from Matty Cooper. His first was a low drive into the bottom corner and the second came after a cleverly worked one-two with Glen Littlewood.
Bishopthorpe twice held the lead over visitors T & L Selby but had to settle for a share of the points in a 3-3 draw. Richard Law (2) and Ben Clarke were on target for the hosts.
Only goal difference now separates the top three sides in division one.
Tockwith, with goals from John Richardson, Danny Clements, a fluke from Sam Tobin and Olly Driver, recorded 4-1 win over Stamford Bridge to take a slender advantage. Nick Rank hit the reply.
Despite falling behind to an early goal from Danny Walters, Ouseburn beat fellow challengers Heslington 3-2 with goals from Darren Horsfield, Richard Dwight and an 81st-minute winner from Adam Kitchen. Simon Newby netted Heslington's second.
With Riccall's game falling victim to the weather, Poppleton took full advantage to open up a five-point lead in division two. But they were indebted to opponents Selby RSSC 2-0, who conceded two own goals.
Sheriff Hutton were fortunate to take a point from their visit to White Horse as the hosts missed a last-gasp penalty and an open goal.
Earlier, Ross Moynihan and Dale Phillips had given the visitors a two- goal advantage, but the home side responded in the second-half with three goals in 15 minutes from Lenny Mason (2) and Lee Streton.
Gary Newton equalised for Sheriff only for White Horse to re-take the lead as Mason completed his hat-trick. Dean Martin made it 4-4.
Tadcaster Albion produced a solid all-round display to beat hosts Moor Lane 5-2, Gary Tutt and Ben Ovington scoring for the home side.
Hemingbrough, with goals from Danny Smith, an own goal and Danny Young let slip a 3-1 half-time lead to share the points with Civil Service. Alistair Rapier hit both the visitors' second half goals after Colin Palmer's opener.
Updated: 11:37 Monday, December 05, 2005
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article