UNDERDOGS Nestl Flag defied the odds to overcome fancied Severus SC 1-0 in the final of the John Smith's Bitter Cup at New Earswick.

Although Severus were well on top early on, chances were far and few between.

Despite dominating, Severus were caught by a quick Flag counter-attack which found striker Chris Johnson in space. He beat a defender to the ball, and curled a fantastic shot around Richardson in the Severus goal.

Severus piled on the pressure but fell just short in the final third and resolute defending from Flag saw them through.

The race for the York John Smith's Sunday Morning Football League division one title is reaching fever-pitch.

Three successive wins by Hounds against Nestl Flag 2-0, Derwent United 2-1 and Ainsty Panthers 5-2 have boosted them as favourites.

However, chasing Ainsty and Severus SC still hope to have a major say.

Although Ainsty were beaten by Hounds and lost 1-0 to Nestl Volunteers, whose goal came from a Stuart Lee penalty, they are still in the picture.

Severus SC beat Derwent Utd 3-1 in midweek thanks to strikes from Andy Barkway, Hutchinson and Watson with Bradshaw netting Derwent's reply.

Thorpe United have had a late rally with a 5-3 win over Marcia being followed by a 2-1 victory over Acomb WMC thanks to goals by Garner and Hewitt. Acomb's marksman was Robinson.

The division two big guns went head to head as leaders Shipton drew 1-1 with second-placed Hambleton, whose goal by Matthews was nullified by a strike from Blake.

Hambleton then beat Haxby Lions 2-0 thanks to a Farrow double, leaving them with their destiny in their own hands. With games in hand they are now title favourites.

York Nomads are still in the hunt for promotion despite losing 3-0 to Deramore Arms, whose Paul Crangle hit a hat-trick.

In division three, second-placed Skelton did their title hopes the power of good and kept the heat on leaders Acomb Celtic with a 2-0 win over Wilberfoss. Richard Wells and Michael Heels grabbed the goals.

The division five title race is between New Earswick and Raskelf Rovers after the pair played each other twice in the space of five days.

New Earswick look the best bet after they did the double. Strikes from Cammidge and Martin saw them win the first clash 2-0 and then take the second encounter 3-1.

But it was not all doom and gloom for Raskelf as they had a great 4-1 win over fellow promotion-chasers Acomb Rangers.

Andy Metcalfe (2), David Hardy and Sam Gregory all found the net.

Updated: 10:25 Friday, April 21, 2006