MARCUS GODSELL starred as Malton St Mary's again took their chance to close the gap to leaders Wigginton Grasshoppers at the top of the York Minster Engineering League premier division.

While Hoppers were tied up in York FA Cup action, Godsell struck all four goals as Saints enjoyed a 4-1 victory over F1 Racing, leaving the gap at 14 points with Malt still having four games in hand.

The top two also have to meet each other.

St Mary's - bouncing back from their midweek North Riding County FA Saturday County Cup final defeat - dominated the early exchanges and took the lead after five minutes, Godsell firing home from a corner.

F1 created chances but went further behind when Godsell headed home a pinpoint cross.

The second period saw F1 start much the brighter with Oliver Kilvington pulling the strings in midfield, and they were rewarded when Dan Hickey produced a great finish to an excellent team move.

F1 continued to press but were caught off guard when Godsell completed his hat-trick, the striker later adding the fourth goal to add extra gloss to the victory.

Osbaldwick leapfrogged F1 into third place after a 5-2 success at York RI.

Dave Melody put the hosts in front early on with Chris Bilton levelling matters 20 minutes later.

Josh Coulson fired RI into a 2-1 lead at the break before Bilton again dragged his team onto equal terms.

As the game wore on, Osbaldwick gained the upper hand and a stunning volley from the edge of the box by Jon Paul Vass gave them the advantage for the first time in the game.

Late goals from Danny Penrose and Vass sealed a decisive victory.

Tadcaster Magnets' woes continued as a Lewis Beecher brace gave Church Fenton a 2-0 triumph, meaning Magnets remain two points from safety, albeit with a game in hand on Sporting Knavesmire who occupy the position directly above them.

Matthew Mulhearn and Liam Robertson gave Dringhouses a 2-0 half-time lead at home to Hemingbrough, and Robertson increased the lead after the interval.

David Whittaker and Gareth Roberts notched as United fought back, but it was too little too late as Houses hung on for the points.

Daniel Pedras was at the double for Copmanthorpe but they suffered a 3-2 setback at Poppleton United.

Meanwhile, Thorpe United moved to within a whisker of sealing a return to the top flight following a 2-1 defeat of Tockwith.

Luke Crowther and Ryan Hughes got the goals for the hosts who are 15 points clear at the top of division one.

Kirkbymoorside's promotion challenge suffered a setback as they lost 3-1 at home to Cliffe.

Tom Collins, Paul Tiffany and Darren Jackson sent the visitors into an unassailable 3-0 lead before Keelan Simpson pulled one back.

Rawcliffe had no such worries with Niall Smallwood and Dale Holding bagging a brace apiece in a 4-2 win over Easingwold. Tom Rushworth hit a double for Town.

An Alex Day hat-trick gave Harrison Signs a welcome three points, the hosts defeating Wilberfoss 3-2. The final goal came in the last minute.

Heworth kept their hopes of the division two title alive with a 6-2 win over Civil Service thanks to five goals from top marksman Dan Marshall and a stunning strike from his younger brother, Callum.

The home side's goals came from Declan Richardson and Josh Shepherd.

Nathan Spreckley netted for Stamford Bridge but they lost 4-1 at home to Barmby Moor. Bishopthorpe United put seven past Huby United without reply.