LEADERS Dringhouses returned to winning ways as they defeated a spirited Hamilton Panthers 5-2 in the premier division of the York Minster Engineering Football League.

After an even opening period, the pendulum swung in Dringhouses’ favour after Hamilton Panthers were reduced to ten men.

Mike McKenzie, a former Panthers player, put ’Houses in front and they added two more in the final five minutes of the first half through Danny Gray and Ben Locke.

Mark Triffitt extended the hosts’ lead further before Panthers responded with goals from Adam Ferguson and George Riley.

Dringhouses confirmed a seventh consecutive home win with Mike Byram’s goal.

Second-placed Huntington were 3-1 winners at Dunnington.

James Edmunds’ opening goal for Huntington was cancelled out before the interval by Jimmy Wilmoth, whose goal was his seventh in the last three games.

Chris Bilton put the visitors in front with a left-foot volley from the edge of the box before Nathan Keenan set up Edmunds for the third.

Riccall trailed to goals by Cameron Sanderson and Liam Keenaughan, from the spot, at York RI.

Gary Collier and Chris Harkin restored parity, but RI stay third in the table after Mark Woodward’s 14th league goal of the season clinched a 3-2 win five minutes from time.

Easingwold looked to be on course for victory as two goals from Andrew Metcalfe junior gave them a 2-1 lead over Haxby, but the visitors triumphed 4-2 with goals from Darren Branden, Gary Newton (2) and Chris Dyson.

Wilberfoss lost 3-1 at Tadcaster Albion. The hosts led at the break thanks to an own goal before Matthew Suggitt and Louis Blackwell made it 3-0. Nick Diamond snatched a late goal for ’Foss.

York St John drew 1-1 with Poppleton. Ben Janes put Pop in front, and Charles Beaumont levelled for the students.

• Don’t miss The Press tomorrow for more York Minster Engineering League reports.