YORK John Smith's Sunday Morning Football League champions Marcia were made to work hard to beat Nestl Volunteers 2-1 in their opening division one match of the season.

Marcia took control with a couple of second-half goals but Volunteers would not give in and Joe Gaughan's goal ensured a tight finish.

Ainsty Panthers also had to sweat it out in their game at Nestl Flag. Panthers were 3-1 up at the interval through Shaun Turner (2) and Tosh Reid after being a goal down inside 30 seconds. Flag reduced the deficit but Panthers' sub Greg Gulliver's diving header restored the two-goal advantage. Flag netted another but Ainsty hung on for a 4-3 win. Flag goals came from Chris Dyson (2) and Chris Johnson.

Hounds brushed aside Acomb WMC 5-1, and it was all-square in the games between Wigginton and Derwent United and Selby Olympia and Severus, both matches ending 3-3.

Hambleton turned in a great second-half show in their division two home game with York Nomads to draw 3-3.

Trailing 2-0 at half-time to goals from Nomads' Skippen and Bradley, Hambleton stormed back with goals from Croad, Dunne and Walker while Bradley completed his double.

Shoulder of Mutton swept aside Burnholme 6-2 with a Bruce hat-trick the highlight. Burnholme consolations came from Gary Newbold and Steve Hudson.

Shipton turned their game around against Cueball after being 2-1 down at the interval. They ran out 4-2 winners with goals from Blake (2), Gledhill and Evans.

Bishopthorpe gained a comfortable 4-1 win over ten-man Acomb SC, with two goals each from Wigley and Sykes.

Wilberfoss beat Selby Olympia Reserves 5-3 in division three, John Richardson (2) and Max Chambers finding the net for Olympia.

Beeswing edged out Inland Revenue 3-2 after falling behind to a second-minute Chris Hilton penalty. Beeswing cashed in on a goalkeeping error to level before Dave Lund put Revenue 2-1 up before two goals in the last five minutes earned victory for Beeswing whose goals came from Michael Clancey (2) and Rich Norman.

Copmanthorpe came away from Bay Horse Tadcaster with a 2-1 win after a thrilling finale. Dave Robinson put Cop ahead but Conway netted an 87th minute eqialiser but Robinson grabbed the winner in the last minute.

A first-half Jamie Huggins hat-trick put Skelton in control against Acomb Celtic, who fought back with goals from Lee Davidson and Scott Dickinson but could not find the equaliser.

Updated: 10:46 Friday, September 09, 2005