Clifton FC manager Trevor Paxton pulled off a masterstroke to keep his side top of the York and District Sunday Afternoon Football League.

With their game with College of Law locked at 1-1 he sent on substitute Daniel Coombs who came up with a 25-yard lob over the goalkeeper for the winner.

Law had taken a 21st minute lead but Clifton equalised through Michael Fox in the second half.

Saville AV kept in touch with Clifton by beating Puss 'n Boots 2-0 and St John's College maintained their challenge with a 2-1 win against Black Dog (Camblesforth).

There was no respite for point-less bottom club Clifton Rangers, who were crushed 9-0 at Rawcliffe United (Goole). Woodthorpe Warriors won 5-2 at Bubwith White Swan.

Former Drum FC player Dave Thompson returned to haunt his old club by scoring twice in CB United's 4-2 victory.

Trailing 1-0, United drew level through Keith Potter and then went ahead when Thompson threaded the ball through for top scored Rich Mills to slot home his tenth goal of the season.

Drum levelled when new signing Mick Cook headed in to his own net ten minutes later, but Thompson restored CB's lead with a shot from ten yards and then provided the pass for Danny Hendy to fire in from 25-yards to complete United's third win of the season.

Forest FC maintained top spot with a 3-0 victory over Knavesmire, while Gimcrack kept up their promotion push by beating Shoulder of Mutton 2-1 to move in to third place. Huntington Juniors, another of the promotion challengers, were convincing 4-1 winners over Yearsley.

Cottage Inn also took closer order near the top with an 8-6 win at Cedarwood. On target for the Cottagers were Gary Rylance (2), John Golger (2), Paul Gray, Daniel Pritcher, Dean Ingram and Danny Shaw.

Cedarwood now drop to the bottom after Wigginton Grasshoppers moved up three places following their 4-1 win over Bay Horse (Marygate).

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, December 11, 2003