Nestle Rowntree boss Jim Collis admitted he was relieved his team's participation in the North Riding County Cup was over following their 1-0 defeat at Kirkbymoorside in the semi-final replay.

Alex Strickland scored the winning goal after a break-away just three minutes from time, rounding goalkeeper John Reynolds to slot into the net and send the large home support into raptures.

It was harsh on Rowntrees, who had had the majority of possession throughout the game, but they did not create enough clear-cut chances to kill off the Scarborough and District League side.

However, following the controversy that erupted following the original tie, boss Collis was, in a way, glad his West Yorkshire League side were knocked out.

Rowntrees had fielded cup-tied goalkeeper Mark Howlett in the original tie, which they won 1-0, and there were calls for them to be kicked out of the competition.

However, a North Riding County FA competitions committee ordered them to replay the tie away from home, believing 'Trees' mistake had been an honest one.

But Collis said: "It's been nothing but controversy and I'm glad it's all over. Basically we should have won given all our possession but if we had the whole controversy would have dragged on.

"At the end of the day maybe it's the best thing to happen. It's gone now and I'm a bit relieved it's over."

He added: "I'm a bit disappointed with the way the goal was given away, and the lads are disappointed we got beat. We had all the play but there were hardly any chances at either end.

"Best of luck to them in the final."

Moorsiders secretary Mike Hodgson said: "They had most of the play put we held out and our defence played well, and we came more into it towards the end.

"We're definitely looking forward to the final."

Kirkbymoorside's victory puts paid to the first-ever all-York County Cup final, with Bishopthorpe United awaiting them in the final, to be held on April 4 at York City's Bootham Crescent ground.

The Bishops currently lie sixth in the York Leeper Hare Football League premier division table, but lost ground on the leaders when held at home by Rufforth in a hard-fought 1-1 draw.

No goals were forthcoming in the first half, with both defences playing well.

Bishopthorpe broke the deadlock when awarded a penalty, Diddy Allinson scoring, but Rufforth equalised through Paul Moss after a fine passing move.

League leaders Old Malton held on for victory to deny bottom-club CGU a shock point in a 4-3 result.

The Maltonmen, playing fast, attacking football, were three up at half-time thanks to a Neil Wilford brace, including a penalty, and a Mick Henderson goal.

After the interval, the Insurencemen pulled out all the stops for Chris Long to net but Malton scored a fourth through Paul Hill to seemingly kill the game.

However, CGU stepped up the pressure and landed two further goals by Rob Hunter, one a blistering 25-yard volley. They were still pressing hard for an equaliser when the final whistle blew.

Second-placed Huntington came away from Kartiers with three valuable points to stay in the championship race.

An even first half saw Jack Wilson open Rovers' account with a well struck goal, before Kartiers counter-attacked to draw level, Danny Hewitt snapping up his chance.

Rovers then took control to add three more goals through Rob Whitaker, with a neat header, and Paul Noon, with a brace.

Both sides missed chances as the game between second-bottom New Earswick and Crayke remained goalless at half time, but after the break third-placed Crayke stepped up their game to gradually take control and land three late goals.

Tim Jackson, who was a constant thorn in the home defence, bagged a couple of well taken goals while Paul Ellerker wrapped up the game with the third.

A fast open game saw nine-man Dringhouses draw 2-2 with Dunnington, who had home advantage.

'Houses went into the lead after 20 minutes thanks to an own goal but the Villagers drew level when Paul Fowler drove in a high centre from which Rich Carr scored with a good opportunist volley.

End to end play followed with both defences fully tested, with Dunnington's Rich Fountain and John Irwin and Dringhouses' Mick Lock and Nick Hole on form.

Dunnington went in front when former Dringhouses player Simon Wood beat his marker to score, however Dringhouses, by now reduced to nine men, saw Mark Ratcliffe level matters with a powerful shot.

They maintained the pressure in looking for a winner and Dunnington's defence, which lost their shape in the closing stages, were lucky to hold out for a point.

Updated: 13:49 Monday, March 19, 2001