POPPLETON United continued their charge toward the York Minster Engineering League's top flight after overcoming third-placed Thorpe United 3-2.

The result now leaves them 11 points clear at the top of division one, above second-placed Pocklington Town, who have three games in hand and were made to fight hard for a point at home to Rawcliffe.

Jonny Moss gave the away side the lead early on in the game but, after Pock equalised, the visitors were indebted to keeper Tom Smallwood for saving a penalty five minutes from time.

Hemingbrough’s Iain Blackburn made the scoresheet for a third successive game in succession as his side ran out convincing 7-1 winners at York St John University.

Tom Collins also struck a hat-trick, with their other goals coming courtesy of Liam Gautry, Jamie Wheeler and Chris Land.

An own goal sent Kirkbymoorside on their way to a 13-0 thrashing of Heslington with Josh Butler (4), Jason Brown (2), Ryan Mintoft (2), Jordan Thackray, Dave Gardner and Chris Hodgson adding to the score. A second own goal completed the haul.

Jake Grundy hit the target for Cliffe but they went down to Harrison Signs after James Dunwoody (2), Karl Babaro (2), Neil Fryirs, Tom Shaw and Mark Benton all netted for in a 7-1 win.

The division two title race took a twist as both the first and second-placed teams suffered defeats, while the five teams directly below all took maximum points.

Leaders Barmby Moor had Tom Mercer on target, but suffered a 2-1 loss to Stamford Bridge - a result that saw the third-placed winners move a point off the top.

Wilberfoss also went down 6-2 at Strensall. Chris Johnson and Charlie Coupland were both at the double for the home side with Liam Wingfield and Ali Bell completing their scoring. Foss’ consolation efforts were scored by Olly Newby and Simon Houlder.

The title is also in the sights of Civil Service, who gained a 5-1 win over Hamilton Panthers. Craig Theaker (2), Jason Hogg, Carl Shepherd and a 30-yard Tom Wright blockbuster wrapped up matters.

Easingwold Town had Tom Rushworth (2), Andrew Metcalfe, Alex Fenwick, Gavin Macer and Tom Hilling to thank for a 6-1 success over Fulford, while Bishopthorpe United ran out 3-2 winners over Haxby United.

The top-of-the-table clash between division three rivals Heworth Green and Rufforth went the way of the latter as goals from Danny Cates (2) and Sean Stockdale edged them to a 3-2 triumph. Dane Winn and Danny Marshall replied.

Huby United continued their impressive league run with an 8-0 annihilation of Jorvik Blades, which also marked their first clean sheet of the season.

Mark Cobb led the scoring with two goals, including an amazing overhead kick from the edge of the box. George Jackson (2), Ben Hodgson (2), an own goal and a direct free-kick from Tom Green rounded off the tally.

Moor Lane beat Howden 2-1 with Charlie Power and Daniel Zimer on the scoresheet, whilst an eight-goal thriller saw Cawood and Selby Olympia share the spoils.

Returning to the division four summit, Malt Shovel brushed aside St Clements 7-3 with Stephen Frost and Chris Harkin both bagging braces. Bubwith dropped to second following a 3-2 defeat to Wetherby Athletic.

Brian Robertson’s hat-trick helped Pollington triumph 6-4 at Huntington with Stuart Harrison, Matthew King and Tom Schindler the other marksmen.