Six teams in the Leeper Hare York and District League third division have realistic promotion potential.

Leaders Sheriff Hutton took the lead at home to Strensall, but after a goal-strewn second half they lost 5-4.

Strensall's scorers were Paul Lawrie, Matthew Brown, Steve Jefferson and Tony Mason (2).

Sheriff Hutton remain top but they have now played six games more than most of the chasing pack.

Poppleton did their promotion credentials a power of good by winning 6-2 at home to fourth-placed LNER Builders. They built up a two-goal lead by half-time courtesy of two strikes by Matthew Graham and soon went three up after the break when James Barrett scored. Builders then staged a revival and had two shots cleared off the line before John Dean netted. Graham completed his hat-trick to restore the Poppleton advantage and Dean promptly netted his second to close the gap.

As Builders went all out for the equaliser they left themselves short at the back and Poppleton capitalised to bag two more in the last five minutes through Barrett and Joe Vaughan.

The match of the day in this division took place at Wilberfoss where the home side missed the chance to go second after going down 2-1 to rivals Elvington Harriers. Neil Alexander gave the Harriers a first-half lead and after the break Dave Bailes netted direct from a corner for Wilberfoss but Luke Dove bagged the winner for Elvington.

The top game in Reserve 'A' between Old Malton and Dringhouses was abandoned after half an hour when the referee suffered an injury and no volunteer could be found to take his place.

Second in the table, Kartiers, were held at St John's College in an eight-goal thriller.

Seven of the goals came in the first-half with the students just having the advantage after goals from Andy Stephens (2), Mark Leask, and Paul Mills. Goals from Mick Thorne and Wayne Coulthard (2) kept Kartiers in touch.

The only goal of the second-half was the Kartiers' equaliser from Mark Rowdon, his first goal fin 12 years.

Pocklington got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 home win over South Bank. Les Falkingham opened the scoring on the half hour direct from a corner and Richard Stabler made it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. Nick Daniels netted in the second-half to wrap up the win. Haxby are still without a win after going down 5-0 at home to neighbours New Earswick. Martin Corr(2), Ken Tuite (2) and Dave Iddon did the damage.

Malton Bacon Factory continue to set the pace in Reserve 'B' with Barmby Moor their latest victims.

Chris Bell (2), Jamie Hopwood, Dave Bailey, Lee Rudd and Steve Mills were their scorers in a 6-0 win. Mark Crangle scored all the Osbaldwick goals as they defeated Boroughbridge 4-2 to stay in second place, three points behind the leaders and Riccall moved up to third after a 4-1 win at home to Rufforth.

Alex Simpson, Liam Bradley (2) and Kevin Kozicki were their scorers with a second-half goal from Paul Storr the only consolation for Rufforth.

None of the games involving the leading teams in Reserve 'C' managed to survive the weather but fourth placed Wilberfoss contributed to LNER Builders' recent free fall with a 4-1 victory. Matt Ogle, Ian Cappelman, Lee Goodwin and John Hardcastle were their scorers with a Tudor Carrington goal providing scant consolation for The Builders.

Updated: 12:15 Thursday, February 07, 2002