CITY of York head division one of the Northern Hockey League after a 3-0 victory at Doncaster.

They are two points clear after nearest rivals Lytham and Alderley Edge drew 2-2.

Although York were not at their best in a bruising affair in South Yorkshire, they defended superbly against an unimaginative Doncaster side who included former York player Gawaine Hogg.

Despite winning a number of short corners, Doncaster were shut out by James Riley and sweeper Luke Griggs in textbook fashion.

York took an early lead when Chris Dutton centred and although the Doncaster 'keeper managed to deflect the ball away from Glyn Humphrey it fell to James Gilbert who put it in the net.

Another Dutton cross found Humphrey, who put City 2-0 up.

York had to defend well after Gordon Jennings was sin-binned. Skipper Mark Moisley rallied his men to take the game to Doncaster.

With ten minutes left, Moisley robbed a defender to play a quick one-two with Dutton to score.

Next week City play bottom-placed Manchester Met before a difficult EHA Trophy first round match against Bebbington, leaders of NCL division two.

City of York II began superbly at home to Wakefield in NCL division two (East) but fell to a 5-2 defeat.

Kyle Hogg put them ahead after four minutes but Wakefield levelled with a short corner which sneaked under 'keeper James Baughan.

Wakefield then went ahead with another short corner before Colin Moore levelled a couple of minutes before the break.

A two-goal salvo soon after half-time from the visitors was compounded by Graham Cook hitting a penalty stroke straight at the Wakefield 'keeper.

Baughan made several fine saves but was beaten once more near the end.

City of York III drew 3-3 in a ragged affair on a bumpy pitch at Ben Rhydding III.

Matt Todd gave York a half-time lead after the best move of the match. The lead was doubled by Peter Foulsham.

Ben Rhydding's change in formation yielded a deflected goal before the hosts went 3-2 up. But a last-minute Andrew Wilson effort clinched a share of the points.

Harrogate won 2-1 at City of York IV although the home side felt decisions did not go their way.

Edward Shouksmith knocked in James Flint's pass to give York the lead but injuries disrupted them and Harrogate levelled.

Flint then had a goal controversially disallowed before Harrogate won with a shot that took three deflections past Ashley Walton.

Barnard Chase and Eric Folliott were on target as City of York V lost 3-2 at Brigg, whose goalkeeper defied the York attack on numerous occasions.

David da Silva scored twice as City of York VI deservedly beat Gainsborough Roses II 4-2.

Richard Tanner-Smith opened the York scoring from a pass by Tim Downie, while skipper Clive Mills-Hicks netted York's other goal.

Despite starting their game against Huddersfield V with ten men, City of York VII ran out 2-1 winners.

They started without Mark Pryce and were soon down to nine men after a yellow card incident.

Huddersfield took advantage by taking the lead but York levelled with a short corner strike by Neil Buckley. When York got to full strength Buckley netted the winning goal.

Although Damian Greig was sent off for a second time, York kept a tight grip on the game.

There were goals galore as City of York VIII lost 9-6 in a friendly at Doncaster VI.

That was tough on York's Doug Thompson who scored five times after Tom Sorby had given York an early lead.

Updated: 12:35 Tuesday, October 16, 2001