THE challenge for the York Minster Engineering Football League reserve ‘A’ crown gathered in intensity.

All four contenders for the title won to tighten the pressure.

Leaders Dringhouses gained a comfortable 5-1 victory over Tadcaster Magnets, taking a 2-0 lead before half-time through Dan Clipston and Joe Connor. The victory was sealed with three second half strikes shared between Darren Smith (2) and Sam Bibby.

There was a ding-dong duel featuring Wigginton Grasshoppers and visitors York RI.

The hosts led at half-time through a James Sutton goal before Danny Cates levelled shortly after the re-start.

Craig Harrison restored ‘Hoppers lead only for RI to rally again, Danny Wood on target after 71 minutes.

As both teams sought a winner, Wigginton prevailed when an 82nd- minute strike from Jordan Walters captured three points.

Two goals from Chris Johnson and a Kieran Flanagan effort gave Huntington a 3-0 advantage at half- time. Just one more goal followed and that was a lone reply from Easingwold.

Dunnington showed once again that they will not give up their crown easily, inflicting an 8-3 defeat on hosts Old Malton St Mary’s.

Jordan Blackstock (2), Lewis Chipchase and Mike Revill hit the target for Copmanthorpe in a 4-1 home victory over Haxby. Billy Ross replied.

In reserve ‘B’, leaders Thorpe United maintained their position with a 4-2 triumph over lowly Bishopthorpe.

Church Fenton White Horse kept up their promotion charge thanks to goals from substitutes Ben Jones (2) and Lewis Beecher, which secured them a 3-0 win over Pocklington Town.

Stamford Bridge were held to a 1-1 draw at Brooklyn. Mikey Clark netted for Brooklyn and Will Wood replied.

Tristan Midgeley gave Malton and Norton the lead at home to Fulford and this was doubled when Daniel O’Dwyer smashed a strike into the top corner of the net. Steve Hoggard wrapped up a 3-0 win.

Dan Topping gave Heslington a 1-0 lead over Harrison Signs and doubled his tally in the second half.

Russ Carr added a third for the home side with Adam Humphries bagging a late consolation for Signs.

Poppleton gained a 2-1 win over Hemingbrough, for whom Dan Collins found the target.

In reserve ‘C’, Hamilton Panthers moved closer to promotion with an 8-1 demolition of Selby Olympia.

Title rivals Tockwith won by the same seven-goal margin after posting an impressive 7-0 triumph over derby opposition Rufforth.

Strensall and Cliffe played out a 3-3 share-all.

Liam Longden (2) and Ricky Mizzi were on target for the home side, while Cliffe’s strikes came from Nigel Horner (2) and Jake Grundy.