DOWN to a bare bones XI, City of York Hockey Club men’s senior ranks suffered a jarring 6-2 Northern League division one defeat at Leeds University I.

Leeds saw off an even opening to go 2-0 up before Lee Cuffe scored after being teed up by Alex Cockram.

A third home goal followed only for York to counter spiritedly and Steve Patterson netted.

But as decisions went against them York started to fold and after the hosts scored a controversial fourth goal, Mark Paddock and Mike Gamble had to be at their defensive best to hold Leeds at bay until two late goals sealed the win.

City of York II’s promotion hopes suffered after a 3-2 home defeat to Ben Rhydding II in the Yorkshire League premier division.

Sloppy marking twice put the visitors ahead and they bagged another goal before a Dave Navin tap-in gave York a glimmer of hope.

Rich Cockram also scored, but York’s challenge petered out after they had a man sent off.

City of York III won 3-1 at Ben Rhydding III thanks to a short-corner routine that produced all three goals for Phil Hamilton and Michael Sansoni (2).

A late equaliser earned City of York IV a 3-3 draw at home to Airedale I in division three.

York rallied from 1-0 and 3-1 deficits to share the honours thanks to goals from Ben Foster (2) and a Paul Mayne drag-flick.

Despite taking the lead, City of V crashed 9-3 at leaders Grimsby I, where Rob Prentice (2) and debutant Oliver Bonney were on target.

City of York VI followed up a 2-2 draw against Leeds University V with strikes from David Dick and Richard Tanner-Smith to beat Ben Rhydding IV 2-1. David Milne and Barry Legg, from a penalty flick, underpinned the win.

City of York VII were beaten 3-1 by division five leaders Old Malton I, the consolation being a battling solo effort from Josh Longster. City of York VIII rattled up two wins in 24 hours.

They trounced visitors Ben Rhydding VI 5-0 with goals from Will Sorby (2), Patrick Herriott, Rob Prentice and skipper Neil Reader before seeing off Doncaster VI 3-1. Their best display of the season was capped by goals from Reader (2) and Woodhall.

After a late arrival, City of York IX went ahead through Martin Gorton at Gainsborough Roses IV only to cede two unanswered goals before half-time.

They also perished 3-1 at Leeds VII in a re-arranged fixture, Matt Cook the York marksman.

The game between City of York Badgers and Doncaster Badgers was cancelled.