DRINGHOUSES took advantage of their nearest rivals' involvement in York and District FA Cup action to extend their lead in the premier division of the Leeper Hare York and District League lead to six points.

Mark Woodward scored a hat-trick as they beat Kartiers 4-2, Colin Raynor getting their other goal.

Dunnington and Rufforth drew 2-2. Chris Burgess opened the scoring for Dunnington on 15 minutes but they were kept at bay by a string of fine saves by the Rufforth goalkeeper whose side forged 2-1 ahead and it needed a Richard Dalby volley two minutes from time to earn Dunnington's point.

Nestl Rowntree also drew 2-2 at home with Huntington but they need wins if they are to avoid the drop with only four games remaining.

A second minute own goal gave the visitors the advantage but Mick Burdett and Ben Langford gave 'Trees the lead by the 35th minute. Huntington's Graham MacDonald moved up front after the break and he struck the equaliser.

Tate & Lyle were at home to Old Malton and were given a finishing lesson with centre forward Phil Hill starring in a 6-1 win.

He scored a hat-trick and had a hand in the other goals to split the Selby side's defence wide open with some great passes for Dave Bradshaw (2) and Paul Boyes to score. Chris Harkin's consolation for T&L came from the penalty spot.

Thorpe United enjoyed a 4-0 home win over South Bank in division one and now only need one point to clinch promotion.

Two wins from their last three games will see them take the title assuming that Haxby win all their games in hand.

Shane Singleton scored Thorpe's only goal of the first half and Gavin Clamp, Steve Smith and Dean Wood struck after the break.

St John's College kept their outside chance of finishing in the top two alive with a 3-1 win over Riccall. After a blank first half Andy Sherlock found the net twice and Morgan Scherrer once for the students with Darren Davies replying for Riccall.

Norwich Union look favourites for the drop after losing at New Earswick with veteran striker Kenny Tuite scoring the only goal of the game after half an hour.

Civil Service are relegated after losing 2-0 at home to Post Office. Simon Walters scored from close range just after the hour mark to give Stamford Bridge a 1-0 win over Crayke.

Updated: 10:43 Monday, March 29, 2004