CITY of York kept their promotion drive on track when they forced a 0-0 draw in the Northern Counties Hockey League first division match of the day at Alderley Edge.

Both sides went into the encounter having won all their previous games and although they didn't find the Cheshire club's old synthetic pitch to their liking, the point was enough to keep York on top of the table.

York's best early efforts came from Chris Dutton and Chris Wilson, who linked well down the right.

James Gilbert came closest to breaking the deadlock for York when he went on a solo run down the left which ended in a blocked shot which came back to Gilbert but his volley was kept out by a combination of the home goalkeeper and a defender.

York's man-for-man marking was being stretched by Edge's forwards so sweeper Nick Carter played slightly deeper in a tactical switch that enabled him to provide cover.

York mixed clever defence with an attacking style which created some good opportunities in the second half. The best chance came when a penalty corner routine did not quite go to plan but Wilson picked up the loose ball and flicked it over the 'keeper but on to the roof of the net.

Edge thought they had scored when they forced the ball home in a melee but the umpire had already blown for an infringement.

Although York felt they had shaded matters they feel they will have a better chance on their own pitch.

Their next opponents are Durham University.

City of York II are having a torrid time and are bottom of Division Two East following their 7-1 home defeat at the hands of Leeds University I.

York trailed 4-0 at the interval and did show signs of improvement until the students scored again with a shot which took a wicked deflection past man-of-the-match 'keeper James Baughan.

York netted a consolation after a fine move involving Steve Prankett, Richard Jenkin, Matthew Couttie and Adam Simpson ended with Colin Moore scoring.

City of York III put on their best display of the season to win 2-0 at Sheffield University Bankers VI in Yorkshire League division four.

Well-organised York controlled the game with possession hockey and deservedly went ahead when Jason Bemrose walked the ball into an empty net after a rebound came off the Sheffield 'keeper.

The skilful Sheffield team had a purple patch after half-time but York defended so well Martyn Parrrott was untroubled in goal.

Bemrose then poached his second goal when Graham Guffick made a surging run into the box and although his shot was well saved, Bemrose tucked in the rebound.

Ian Wiggins, Simon Williams and John Raper all played well for York.

Understrength City of York IV, who also play in division four, lost 3-1 to second-placed Halifax II despite taking the lead with a short corner strike by Jules Bellerby.

Inexperiend City of York V were beaten 6-1 at Adel in division six, five of the home side's goals coming in the second half.

Alex Cockram netted for York with a short corner strike, but City conceded three penalty strokes, one of which was saved by Mark Burn.

Another heavy defeated was suffered by City of York VI who crashed 5-1 at home to Leeds University IV in division seven although the match was much closer then the scoreline suggests.

Clive Mills-Hicks converted Russell Grant's cross to give York a chance at 2-1 down going into the last quarter.

A division lower, City of York VII went down 2-0 at Leeds IV.

Defender Phil Lancaster and 'keeper Matt Merrick shone for York.

York's disappointing showing in the Yorkshire League continued as their VIII team lost 2-1 at home to Adel V in division nine.

It was an exciting game with York hitting back to equalise through Nick Longster but Adel netted the winner ten minutes from time.

Tom Sorby played well up front for York and Tom Marvin's debut on the left wing was a success.

Updated: 12:00 Tuesday, October 30, 2001