THE relegation-threatened sides in the York Minster Engineering League premier division all failed to bolster their chances of beating the drop on Monday night.

All of the bottom five were in action but none managed to win, meaning the relegation scrap could well go down to the wire.

Second-bottom Malton & Norton lost 2-1 at Dringhouses and now look in real danger as they are running out of games in hand in which to catch teams above.

Dave Watson put Dringhouses ahead by half-time and Joe Rawcliffe doubled the lead early in the second period. The visitors fought back and Steve Hoggard gave them a lifeline with 10 minutes to go, but Dringy defended resolutely and held on. 

Sporting Knavesmire, third from bottom, also fell 4-2 at Dunnington meaning they too are in real danger. 

Josh Cryer (2), Dan Barrett and Jacob Hall were on target for the hosts, with Sam Lingard and Tom Williams replying.

Poppleton United failed to put themselves safe as they lost 1-0 at home to Tadcaster Magnets, Jack Overton getting the only goal for an on-form Magnets side.

Arguably the worst result of the night, though, was that of Copmanthorpe's as they too failed to pull clear as they were held to a 3-3 draw by York RI, who are doomed at the foot of the table.

Callum Langan, Lewis Chipchase and Danny Wood all netted for hosts RI with Robin Bedford (2) and Jake Moyse making the scoresheet for Cop.

Dunnington and Dringhouses both leapfrogged Osbaldwick into fourth and fifth place respectively.

Poppleton and Copmanthorpe are among the teams in action again tomorrow night (Wednesday).

Meanwhile, Huntington Rovers Reserves put themselves in pole position for the reserve 'A' crown as they won 3-0 at lowly Church Fenton Reserves to go above Wigginton Reserves at the summit.

The top two meet in a title decider at Wigginton on Saturday.

Mark Unwin and Lee Bunce bagged two goals in three minutes to set Rovers up for victory with Chris Johnson adding a third in the second half.

Bottom-team Copmanthorpe got only their third win of term, beating Hemingbrough Reserves 2-1 in their final match thanks to a double from Brad Urquhart.