A MISFIRING front-line saw City of York fail to gain revenge for their away defeat against Oxton earlier in the season.

The visitors won the North Hockey League premier division clash 4-0 and the margin of defeat could have been greater had Ashley Watson not pulled off several fine saves.

Watson was beaten twice in the first half - once by a mis-hit strike - and, after York had failed to take advantage of a dominant 20 minutes following the restart, Oxton doubled their advantage.

York's task was not helped by Arthur Matharu's damaged shoulder, which caused him to leave the pitch.

City of York II's division two east promotion hopes were dealt a blow during a 4-1 defeat on Wakefield's water-based pitch.

Nick Carter's short-corner strike gave City the lead but the home side equalised a minute before half-time following a defensive error.

City's failure to clear gifted Wakefield a second goal after the re-start and the home side netted twice more on the break as the visitors' search for goals left the midfield and defence vulnerable.

John Pierce hit a hat-trick as City IIIs strolled to an 8-2 Yorkshire Hockey League division one victory over Lincoln II.

City took control in the opening ten minutes with goals from Matt Todd and Pierce. Matt Cattle and Pierce then struck to ensure York went into the interval firmly in the ascendancy.

Pierce, Cattle and Geoff Gill (2) completed the rout in the second half.

City IVs also had a hat-trick hero in Mark Potterton but came unstuck 9-5 at Driffield.

Ed Marsden and Ed Shouksmith joined Potterton on the York scoresheet.

City Vs defeated LA Metros V 2-1 with Sam Lynn grabbing the winning goal after Richard Tanner-Smith had earlier opened the scoring.

Tim Jolly took advantage of a play-on decision to give City VIs the lead at Huddersfield V.

A second from Keith Wilson placed the game beyond the home team, who only managed a last-minute consolation in reply.

City VIIs overcame Ben Rhydding VI 4-2 with James Woodhall the first on target after a solo run.

Skipper Neil Reader then deflected home a short-corner strike before Rhydding levelled the scores with goals either side of half-time.

But a short corner effort from Nick Kay and an accurately-placed shot through a crowded circle by Tim Downie sealed victory for York.

City IXs overcame the club's VIII team thanks to goals from Mark Lambert (2) and Will Ellis.

Kerry goal in vain

Acomb Ladies I faded as they let slip the lead against Leeds II and finished up on the end of a 3-1 defeat in their Yorkshire League division one clash.

Kerry Woods' great strike from a short corner put Acomb 1-0 up. However, the visitors equalised shortly before half-time and then showed their extra fitness in the second period.

Acomb's player of the match award went to Danielle Courtine for her solid consistency in defence.

Acomb Ladies II conceded a goal in each half to lose 2-0 at LA Metros. Liz Harrison was the Tangerines' player of the match with Laura Iveson and Rachel Williams supporting well.

Acomb Men's I started well in their YL division two gameat Brigg 2 with 'keeper Steve Church in fine form, but the Lincolnshire side kept plugging away and ended as 4-0 winners.

Lucy burns off hosts

CITY of York Ladies worked hard to earn a 1-0 North League win at Blackburn.

Boosted by Lucy Butcher's well-taken goal from a penalty corner in the first few minutes, York then overcame the problems of an icy pitch to take the game to Blackburn for much of the first half.

But, Blackburn countered solidly in search of a second-half equaliser and York were indebted to sound defensive work from Rosie Evans and alert goal-keeping by Dawn Hopkins to ensure the victory and take a step towards mid-table security.

In division one of the Yorkshire League, City of York Ladies II lost 2-0 at home to league leaders LA Metros who scored a goal in each half while York failed to convert their chances.

In division four, City of York Ladies III lost 3-0 at Skipton and Airedale, Wendy Harrington gaining York's player of the match award.

City of York Ladies IV fared better for a maximum haul in the same division. They edged out visitors Ben Rhydding IV by the only goal, scored by Laura Horne from a fifth-minute penalty corner.

Although further clear-cut chances were limited for either side, York's solid defensive work made sure of the points.

Nestl Rowntree crashed 4-0 at Whitby in the York and District League.

Paula Ridge comfortably took the York-based side's player of the match award.

Updated: 09:55 Tuesday, January 31, 2006