CITY of York remain bottom of the North Hockey Men’s League premier division after a 4-0 home defeat by Alderley Edge.

Things had been looking up for COY three weeks ago – after a return of four points from two games – but this third defeat in a row leaves the side three points adrift of next-to-bottom Ben Rhydding.

The match started evenly with York putting together great passages of quick passing play but Alderley Edge broke the deadlock after an unfortunate goalmouth scramble. This tipped the balance in the Cheshire-based side’s favour and York spent the rest of the half under pressure.

Tenacious defending and some good saves from goalkeeper Luke Brownlee kept the score to 2-0 at the interval. In the second half, despite great efforts from debutant David Clamp and the experienced duo of Mike Hugill and Steven Patterson, Alderley managed to score two further goals.

York II, who are bottom of the Yorkshire Hockey League Men’s premier division, picked up a point at fourth-placed Leeds IV.

York started strongly but switched off midway through the first half allowing Leeds to score from a short corner. They got back on level terms before the break when Tim Lister turned in a ball from Will Mitchell. Goalkeeper Elliot Walker made a number of saves to keep Leeds at bay in the second period and was awarded Man of the Match.

In division one, York III bounced back from defeat against leaders Leeds Adel with a comprehensive 5-0 victory over bottom-of-the-table Airedale I. Debutant Ollie Moore opened the scoring and Ben Foster doubled the lead after a cross from the right where youngsters George Good and Jack Harrington played well. The game was put to bed early in the second half with goals in quick succession from Russell Bowry and Kilmartin. Joe Lancaster added the fifth.

York IV moved up to 12th place in division two after a 2-0 win over Wakefield III. Callum Green gave York the lead before Gareth Boyd marked his debut with the second goal following good work by Joe Stark and Joel Wilson.

York V suffered back-to-back home defeats this weekend against Tadcaster Magnets I and University of Leeds I.

Flyn Mullins scored in both the 6-1 defeat by Tadcaster and the 2-1 defeat by Leeds.

York VI moved up to second place in division four north courtesy of a 7-2 win at Mirfield I. Both Henry Wilson and Bryce Tuckett bagged hat-tricks and Kieran McAdam completed the scoring.

York VII kept their first clean of the season in a 2-0 win over Leeds VIII in division five north. George Trowsdale and Cameron Mackay scored from short corners.

Tadcaster Magnets II moved up to second spot with a 4-0 victory over Bradford IV.

The development team of York VIII returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory at Airedale II.

With a couple of youngsters missing and Airedale higher up the league, this was a difficult test but good defending by David Broadbent helped keep a clean sheet.

Zach Pierson missed the second half with a foot injury and James Harrison needed hospital treatment after a blow to the head. Hamish Robertson settled the contest with a penalty flick.

York IX drew 2-2 with Airedale III in division six north thanks to goals from Kieran MacAdam and Fraser McGregor.