TENSION is mounting in the race to win the York Leeper Hare Football League Reserve A' Division.

Dunnington or Dringhouses remain favourites but the students of York St John's College have not given up hope with just TWO games to go despite failing to close the gap on leaders Dunnington at the weekend.

Two first-half goals by Anthony Downing put Dunnington in charge at St Johns but strikes from Tom Shirley and Stephen Danby gave the students a share of the points.

The result saw St John's slip to third - three points behind Dunnington - while champions Dringhouses motored into second spot with an emphatic 8-1 home win over New Earswick.

Dringhouses' haul was shared between Dermott Reed, Stuart Jenkins, Wayne Carter (2), an own goal, Adam Fishwick, Gary Smith and Jamie Barker. Jamie Husband hit New Earswick's reply.

The remaining games involving the top sides are - April 28 - Dunnington v Copmanthorpe, York St John's v Huntington; May 1 - Dringhouses v Copmanthorpe; May 5 - Thorpe United v Dunnington, York St John's v Dringhouses.

Paul Dyson put Huntington in front at home to Rufforth but the visitors equalised in the second half to end a run of five straight defeats.

Kartiers are on course to record their highest reserve position in three seasons following their 4-1 home win over Nestlé. Lewis Blackwell (2), Anthony Jennings and Glen Littlewood were the Selby side's marksman.

There was no change at the top of Reserve B' as the top four sides all recorded victories.

James Dexter scored all Heworth's goals in their 3-0 win at Wilberfoss while Wigginton made it five straight away wins with a 4-3 success at Tockwith, Danny Franks hit two of Wiggy's tally with James Perkins doing likewise for Tockwith. Bishopthorpe extended their unbeaten run into double figures following their 6-2 home win over Amotherby while Jimmy Scott and Eddie Phillips shared Haxby's goals in their 4-1 defeat of Malton & Norton.

Despite Craig Foweather's 16th goal of the season his Stamford Bridge side lost 3-1 at Poppleton for whom Carl Shepherd bagged a brace.

The two form sides in Reserve C' met at Riccall and the hosts kept alive their hopes of joining York RI in Reserve B next season with a 1-0 win over their promotion rivals Heslington thanks to an Andy Tinge goal.

York RI were confirmed as champions after their 4-1 win at Stillington where Dave Clarke hit two goals.

Jamie Garnett hit both LNER Builders goals in their 2-1 win at Fulford.

* Huntington will have become premier division champions if Dringhouses lost at Kartiers last night. Dringhouses entertain Thorpe on Wednesday with Huntington hosting T&L.