CITY of York Hockey Club Men I claimed a vital 3-2 win at Newcastle University as they moved ever closer to the summit of North League division one.

The victory, snatched by Alex Cockram's late goal, takes the Minster city side to within a point of leaders Lindum - albeit having played a game more - and keeps them firmly in the promotion mix.

The visitors started focused and, placing an emphasis on defence, looked solid, but were also potent on the counter attack, creating several good chances as Newcastle ceded possession.

Jack Fletcher opened the scoring 10 minutes in, collecting a long pass from defence and showing good skills before finishing smartly.

Boosted, City doubled their advantage shortly afterwards as they entered a purple patch, Tom Feasby getting on the scoresheet.

City started the second period in a similar manner to the first, creating good chances, but Newcastle got back into the game as the visitors failed to deal with an aerial threat and conceded a short corner from which the hosts netted.

The scores were soon level when a cross-field ball was intercepted and put away, setting up an open final 10 minutes in which both sides squandered good chances.

As the clocked ticked down, veteran striker Cockram finished off a patient passing move from inside the circle.

City of York II slipped to fifth in the Yorkshire League premier division following a 4-2 loss at home to Kingston-upon-Hull.

The visitors took the lead when a short corner drew a stick save from Jonathan Doyle, only for the ball to deflect back to the injector to sweep home.

City then had their best spell of the game as Ben Salter and Tom Cadman were both denied by excellent saves, but Hull went two in front when a counter attack and favourable deflection allowed for a simple finish.

A killer blow was delivered on the stroke of half-time as a cross was deflected into the bottom corner to give the visitors a three-goal cushion.

Hull's fortunes in front of goal continued after the break with a short corner ricocheting around the 'D', then being knocked against a post - with the rebound landing favourably for a tap-in.

City got on the scoresheet shortly after with James Fitton coolly slotting home a penalty stroke which was won when Salter was fouled after rounding the keeper.

The hosts continued to press but the ball would not fall for them in the 'D'. With four minutes left, City's man-of-the-match Dan Hyden was fouled after getting on the end of Cadman's lob over the keeper to allow Fitton his second penalty stroke goal.

City of York III were beaten 8-3 at home by division one leaders Rotherham before winning 3-1 at Hull University in their weekend double-header.

Division two bottom side Tadcaster Magnets won 4-2 at home to City of York IV, despite a man-of-the-match display by City keeper Brian Ignjatovic. York had levelled at 2-2 before half-time through Henry Birchall and James Walker.

City of York V are second in division three after a 1-1 draw at Harrogate IV, Tony Brimble getting the visitors' goal.

City of York VI drew 2-2 at Boston Spa II in division four north. Man-of-the-match Andy Hyams got both York goals.

City of York VII were convincing 4-1 winners at home to Mirfield in division four north. Keith Wilson, Jon Barrett, Andy Hyams and Rob Abell were City's scorers.

City of York VIII lost 1-0 at division five north rivals Boston Spa III, while City of York IX drew 4-4 at home to Thirsk & Malton III in division five north, and City of York X lost 1-0 to Slazengers V in the men's development north division.