Nestle Rowntree thumped Whitkirk Wanderers 6-0 last night to maintain their slim hopes of retaining the West Yorkshire League premier division title.

Although Rowntree still need leaders Carlton Athletic to drop points, last night's victory - watched by the Carlton manager - kept up the pressure.

Matty Wain opened the scoring on five minutes and then made it two from the spot after he was fouled in the area.

Steve Ward netted two excellent strikes either side of half-time to double the lead, and Kevin Dickinson rounded it all off with a brace of his own following excellent moves.

Boss Jim Collis said every player gave fine performances, including goalkeeper Neil Smallwood, who made two superb saves, and debutant Andy McMillan, the former York City favourite.

"Most of the team have played nearly 20 matches this month, but they all looked as though it was the beginning of the season," he said.

"McMillan was outstanding. Apparently he's not kicked a ball in 11-a-side for nearly a year but everything he did was excellent. I could see he was enjoying it. It baffles me why he's not playing League football. He seems to have so much time on the ball."

Updated: 13:10 Thursday, April 26, 2001