CITY of York Ladies failed to find the net for a second week running, losing 3-0 at home to Sheffield Hallam in the North League.

York started brightly but Sheffield took control after scoring mid-way through the first-half.

Playing confident quick-passing hockey, they scored two goals in quick succession soon after the break with York 'keeper Dawn Hopkins also making some fine saves.

Despite whole-hearted efforts by Paula Clough and Mandy Nesbit in the York midfield, they were unable to break Sheffield's defence, their best chance coming when Sally Sleightholme's first time shot was well saved.

In division one of the Yorkshire League, City of York Ladies II lost 2-0 at Lockwood Park Dragons II. York conceded both goals in the first half and, although coming back strongly after the break, they were unable to find the net. Goalkeeper April Watson was York's player of the match.

In division four, City of York Ladies IV gained a creditable 2-2 draw at Sheffield Hallam IV, who took a first-half lead from a penalty corner.

York responded with two second-half goals in five minutes, Jo Llewellyn first scoring from close range after Katie Stafford's dribble along the right-hand goal line, before Alison Stafford added the second, also from close range, after a break down the left wing.

York were unfortunate in the manner of Sheffield's equaliser, the ball rebounding kindly for the home side after a goal line clearance, but then had to repel late pressure to share the points.

The match between City of York Ladies III and Sheffield University Bankers was called off, York conceding the points.

Acomb Ladies I recovered from the loss of an early goal to win 5-3 at Ben Rhydding III in Yorkshire League 1.

A well-struck shot from a penalty corner by Ann Pye levelled matters, only for the Ilkley-based outfit to regain the lead.

Sue Yoward made it 2-2 but the home side gained the lead for a third time before the break.

Jenna Allinson made it 3-3 and from then on Acomb took control. Kerry Woods gave Acomb the lead for the first time with a well-struck shot from a penalty corner.

The home side still posed a threat, but tireless work by Acomb's player of the match Wendy Watson kept them at bay. There was just time before the end for Pye to net again to wrap up the Tangerines' win.

CITY of York Men I came within four minutes of clinching victory at Timperley in the Northern Hockey League premier division.

York led three times and seemed to have the points in the bag at 3-2 with four minutes to go before the hosts netted a third equaliser.

Great tackling from Luke Ramli and solid 'keeping from Robin Walker, who was making his first team debut in place of the injured Ashley Watson kept Timperley at bay early on.

York captain Christian Gregg had a fine game and his deflected pass set up Rodrigo Garcia for the opener.

Timperley levelled before the interval and did so again after York regained the lead with a trademark Fozzie Foster reverse stick shot.

Pete Evans then went close before Lee Cuffe grabbed York's third goal, only for Timperley to scramble in another equaliser.

John Pierce cracked in a couple of goals to earn City of York III a 2-1 Yorkshire League division one victory at free-scoring Doncaster III.

Doncaster's pace and skill up front was countered by York's experience in defence.

Pierce shot York ahead from a short corner on 20 minutes but Donny responded and it needed some outstanding saves in goal by Matt Barker to keep York ahead.

However, he was powerless to stop Doncaster's equaliser following the half-time break. Captain John Peet steadied the ship for York while Simon Casterton and Ady Nye were outstanding before Pierce netted the winner.

City of York IV came from a goal behind to beat Old Malton I 3-1 with goals from Dransfield, Shouksmith and Loz Thornton.

City of York V were beaten 2-0 by Doncaster V team.

City of York VI crammed in two games over the weekend and lost both.

Lincoln won 3-1 on Saturday despite a Alex Herriott goal. Sheffield University Bankers then strolled home 8-1 the following day.

City of York VII lost 5-0 to LA Metros and City of York VIII lost 5-2 to Driffield despite a fine display by Matt Marshall.

DEPLETED Acomb Men I lost 5-0 at second-in-the-table Ramgharia.

Dave Timmins, Chris Foster, Matt Gray and Simon Theaker kept the home side out for long spells with Martin Grainge minding the goal well.

Acomb Men II continued their fine winning sequence when they defeated Halifax III 3-2 at Oaklands.

The Tangerines went ahead with a fine effort by Paul Yoward after a quick intelligent pass from Stuart Baxter. Yoward added a second and by half-time Acomb led 3-0.

Halifax scored twice to reduce the deficit but sound work from 'keeper Mike Brown ensured a home victory.

Updated: 09:52 Tuesday, December 13, 2005