OLD Malton St Mary's suffered a huge setback in their York Minster Engineering League title quest - suffering a 2-0 defeat at Osbaldwick on Monday night.

Just like in their North Riding County FA Saturday County Cup defeat to Boro Rangers last Wednesday, a failure to finish chances against cost St Mary's dearly.

The gap to premier division leaders Wigginton Grasshoppers thus remains at 14 points but second-placed Malt now have only three games in hand.

The top two still have to meet each other, but the title is entirely in Hoppers’ hands.

An open first half saw Malton start the stronger with several clear chances being missed before Osbaldwick began to grow into the game, a spell of pressure seeing Chris Bilton head them in front from a corner.

This brought about a response from the Ryedale side - but no equaliser as Osso keeper Dan Miller made a string of great saves.

On the stroke of half-time the visitors won a penalty, only to see player-boss Darren Dunning's spot kick tipped away by the in-form Miller.

The second period saw Old Malton throw everything at Osbaldwick but Miller, aided by some great defensive work, kept the visitors at bay.

A rare Osso counter attack late in the game then saw Jon Paul Vass break down the left and cross for Harry Sheppeard to steer the ball into the net.

The home side continued to dig deep and held on for a 2-0 victory which consolidated their position in third.