THE University of York’s footballers suffered Northern Conference Cup semi-final misery as they lost 2-0 at Leeds University’s seconds, writes Dan Holland.

The defeat in the British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) knockout competition meant York missed out on the chance of playing in the final at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane ground.

The cup run has been a highlight of an otherwise uninspiring season for captain Dan Turley’s side, who will face their conquerors from Leeds again tomorrow as they look to stave off the threat of relegation.

In other BUCS Cup fixtures, the York men’s lacrosse firsts overcame the University of Hull to win their semi-final, a hat-trick from Joe Tebbutt helping them to a 4-2 victory.

York fell behind early on as they toiled in the blustery conditions, and though Tebbutt quickly pulled his side level it was a largely scrappy and uneventful start.

Tebbutt scored shortly after half-time to give York the lead, but Hull, who currently occupy third spot in the Northern Conference 2A, responded quickly to equalise.

Soon after, Tebbutt completed his hat-trick, before Andy Chalmers added a deserved fourth.

More straightforward was the victory for the women’s squash team, who beat Newcastle University 3-1 to reach the final.

York lost the first tie of the day in a five-game epic, but last-minute call-up Georgie Andrews, captain Hannah Sewell and Gemma Lambert all won their matches in reasonably comfortable fashion.

It has been a hugely successful season for the side, their cup final place complemented by impressive league form which has seen them lose only once, putting them second in the table.

There was also important league action for York’s sides, with the BUCS season drawing to a close.

The men’s hockey firsts faced off against Leeds University’s seconds team in a bottom of the table clash, but were on the wrong end of a 5-3 scoreline.

York and Leeds are level on points at the bottom of the Northern Conference 2B, with Leeds holding a slightly better goal difference.

As Leeds travel to face league leaders Durham seconds on Wednesday, York have reason to be optimistic as they face Durham’s thirds side on home ground.

The men’s rugby firsts lost further ground in the Northern Conference 1A, surrendering a 14-0 lead away at table-topping Sheffield Hallam to lose by a single point.