WIGGINTON Grasshoppers will enter 2017 at the top of the York Minster Engineering Premier Division following a 5-0 victory over Church Fenton White Horse – a result that lifted them three points clear of second-placed Huntington Rovers.

The win was not as straightforward as the scoreline might suggest, however, following a goalless first half and an opening ten minutes of the second period that saw Church Fenton missing two golden opportunities to take the lead.

Wigginton had created opportunities of their own and only the fine form of Simon Hudson in the White Horse goal had prevented both Terry Taylor and Jordan Holt from opening the scoring.

The controversial sending off of Stuart Rice after an hour seemed to spark some urgency into the visitors and, after laying siege to the home goal, Gary Newton finally opened the scoring with little over ten minutes top play after Jamie Willstrop’s strike was palmed into his path.

Two goals in the space of three minutes from Luke Addison reduced Church Fenton to mere spectators and Matthew Tiplady took advantage with a quick-fire brace of his own which gave Grasshoppers a flattering five-goal haul.

Five-nil was also the score at Dringhouses where the home side inflicted a heavy defeat on Sporting Knavesmire.

Two goals from Dave Watson saw the home side enjoy a nice cushion at the interval, and a second half brace from Matthew Mulhearn ended any hopes Knavesmire had of retrieving a point.

Liam Robertson put the icing on the cake late on as Dringhouses leapfrogged their opponents to move up to third in the table.

Dunnington moved up to fifth place after putting seven goals past Riccall United without reply.

F1 Racing salvaged a point at home to Osbaldwick with a last minute goal after Solly Tomlin-Kent kept the ball alive allowing Adam Tiffany to fire home an equaliser.

Earlier Chris Bilton had netted via a clever free-kick to give the visitors the lead.

Matthew Howgate gave Tadcaster Magnets the lead at Copmanthorpe but the home side fought back with Mark Featherstone and John Patrick finding the net in the second period.

However, a second Howgate strike plus a George Philipson goal gave Magnets a much needed three points.

York RI also gained a welcome 5-3 win over bottom club Brooklyn.

Three goals from Liam Stilgoe and two from Anthony Evans gave the York side victory.