INSPIRED by Alex Cockram, City of York Hockey Club men’s first team returned to North League division one winning ways.

The City boys started well and, after two chances were scrambled away, went 1-0 up when Cockram’s cross-cum-shot was deflected into the net.

Tom Feasby was causing all sorts of problems for the Sheffield back line and was unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet after working some space to fire a shot at goal.

Hallam came out a lot stronger in the second half and their pressure yielded a leveller.

However, York always looked dangerous and, after two or three unsuccessful short corners, the ball broke to Cockram who jinked past two of the on-rushing defenders and powered his shot past the Hallam keeper.

The win allowed York to keep the pressure on fellow title challengers Sheffield Bankers with one game left.

A spirited show by City of York II was undone in the second half when hosts and unbeaten Yorkshire League premier division leaders Sheffield Hallam II hit three unanswered goals.

The margin of victory flattered the hosts against whom goalkeeper Brian Ignjatovic excelled.

City of York III posted their first success of the year in a scrappy 6-4 division two win over Adel II.

York led 3-1 only to trail 4-3 before they rallied with a fizzing flourish.

On target for the hosts were Rob Prentice (3), Alex Herriott, Neil Martin and Matt Todd.

Hat-tricks from Greg Sykes and Russell Bowry, supplemented by James Fitton and Henry Wilson goals, decorated City of York IV’s 8-0 division three win over Scarborough.

Despite early dominance capped by an opener from player of the season Graham Cook, City of York V lost 3-1 to Thirsk in division four north.

The same scoreline confirmed City of York VI’s division five north mid-table security after a 3-1 success over Wakefield V.

Jack Harrington goals sandwiched a James Gibbon strike in a fine display in which Rob Smith was influential in midfield.

But in the same tier, City of York VII had to be content with a point from their excursion to Halifax.

Their scant reward for near total first-half domination was a goal from Jonno Scutt.

After the interval, Halifax enjoyed 20 minutes of control during which they levelled and then held off York’s closing pressure.