Promotion race hots up as Malton & Norton FC chase leaders Aviva (From York Press)

Promotion race hots up as Malton & Norton FC chase leaders Aviva

10:43am Monday 4th March 2013 in Sport

MALTON & Norton moved to within a point of York Minster Engineering Football League division one leaders Aviva after a 4-3 win at White Horse.

The hosts, defending an unbeaten home run of 15 games, led at the break through a John Marshall penalty and a Chris Thompson goal.

Marcus Godsell reduced the arrears early in the second period, but a second goal of the game from Marshall restored the Church Fenton side’s two-goal cushion.

The Ryedale outfit, facing their first away defeat in 14 matches, mounted a magnificent comeback as Ryan Rivis hit a hat-trick inside the final half hour.

Amotherby & Swinton drew 2-2 at Wilberfoss after conceding two late goals. George Moore and Andy Phillips struck in the first half for Amotherby, with Wilberfoss replying through Jed Vale and an own goal.

In the only premier division fixture, Poppleton United won 3-2 at Easingwold, despite conceding an early goal to George Kirk.

Nick Moss levelled before the break but the hosts missed a penalty before Jack Doyle gave Pop the lead.

Joe Dale, scoring for the fifth game on the bounce, made it 3-1 before Ben Tilley pulled a late goal back for Easingwold.

Tadcaster Magnets extended their unbeaten home run to 22 games in division two as they hammered Thorpe 6-0.

Phil Smith scored half his side’s goals and Ben Wilson, Gary Simpson and John Crawley completed the rout.

In division four, Selby Town Reserves snatched victory in the final minute as they beat visitors Wheldrake 4-3. Olly O’Neil’s opening brace for Selby was cancelled out before the break by Ben Webster and Ben Feathers.

Martin Fielden gave Wheldrake the lead but Callum Roe-Dixon took his tally for the season into double figures with two late goals for Selby.