A HAT-TRICK from Matthew Howgate propelled Tadcaster Albion to safety in the York Minster Engineering Football League premier division.

Albion beat Hamilton Panthers 6-1 with Matthew Suggitt (2) and Brad Dowling also on the scoresheet, while Liam Stilgoe pulled a goal back for Panthers.

York St John extended their unbeaten run to seven games with a 4-1 win over Dringhouses.

First half goals from Michael Wares and Alex Dixon put them in charge before Steve Barker reduced the arrears. St John substitute Daniel Bonham scored twice in the second half.

York Railway Institute will be playing top flight football next season after their promotion from division one was confirmed.

As RI beat Ouseburn 10-0, second-placed Tockwith lost 2-0 at Malton & Norton to two Curtis Drummond goals.

A point at Amotherby on Wednesday will be sufficient for RI to take the title, with Tockwith and Easingwold in contention for the remaining promotion spot.

Amotherby & Swinton beat Stamford Bridge 7-1 with Mike Lindsay hitting four goals.

Nestlé drew 3-3 with Thorpe thanks to goals from Wayne Scaife, Paul Scaife and Mike Fox. Shane Singleton (2) and Adam Garner were on target for Thorpe.

Hemingbrough got a 2-2 draw against Pocklington. Tom Grundy scored both their goals, before Bobby Pipe and Tom Howell levelled.

St Clement’s clinched the division two title as they won 3-1 at Heworth, while Selby RSSC lost 2-1 to Rawcliffe Rangers.

Saints cruised to the title with goals from Jordan Hornby, Kenny Sharman and Danny Peace. Callum McKenzie replied for Heworth.

RSSC took the lead at Rawcliffe, but Rangers levelled through Paul Bransicombe and Louis Howarth sealed the win.

Terrington moved into second place as they won 2-1 against Heslington. Ben Richardson and Danny Bulmer scored for Glory.

Elvington moved out of the relegation zone at the expense of White Horse with a 3-2 win.

Luke Dove (2) and Neil Alexander scored for Harriers.

Mark Powell hit a hat-trick for Aviva as they beat Rufforth 9-4.

Cliffe and Strensall drew 2-2. Jack Wilson hit both goals for the division three champions Strensall, with Baz Summers and Tom Dunning scoring for Cliffe.

Wheldrake twice went in front at Civil Service, but lost 3-2 as Robb Orr’s penalty and Martin Lobb’s 20th goal of the season were eclipsed by James Windle, Sam Wood and Gareth Innes.

Haxby United scrambled to reserve ‘A’ safety by scoring twice in the final three minutes to win 3-1 at Wilberfoss. Dave Jeffrey (2) and Anton Murphy netted for Haxby, with Nick Daniel replying for ’Foss.

James Sharp hit a hat-trick to add to goals from Dan Fox, Dan Hook and Josh Hind as St John beat Wigginton 6-2.

Riccall’s Jim Darlison hit six goals in a 7-4 win over York RI in reserve ‘B’.