YORK's title dreams suffered a huge blow after leaders Percy Park put in a dominant forward performance to win 22-7 at Clifton Park.

The result leaves York five points adrift in the race for top spot in Durham and Northumberland One.

York were penalised too frequently and spent too much time defending in their own 22 to beat an accomplished Park side. But the manner of the loss, after York had gained a 7-3 lead with 14 men, will be the most dispiriting point.

A portent came after three minutes when York lost the first of nearly a dozen lineouts.

Percy Park had the chance to draw first blood but fly-half Marcus Rutter narrowly missed with a penalty in front from nearly 50 metres.

Then it was York's turn to get the jitters in front of goal when full-back Tom Copeland missed two penalties - the second a straightforward attempt from just to the left on the 22.

It was a physical affair but York captain Andy Kay was unlucky to be sin-binned for handling on the floor just before half time.

The ensuing drive led to a Percy Park penalty which Rutter slotted to put the visitors 3-0 up at the break.

York came out fighting for the second half and, despite being a man down, scored a superb try after 46 minutes.

A looping pass was taken at full stretch by Copeland, before Rob Kama left defenders for dust, touching down with an extravagant dive under the posts. Copeland's conversion gave York a 7-3 lead and, with Kay returning, the hosts seemed to have a platform for victory.

But York rarely got out of their own half, conceding penalties and lineout ball.

On 53 minutes, Park winger Thomas Turnbull should have been wrapped up near the left touchline but was allowed to come across the field.

He was tackled, but the visitors went through the phases before prop Stuart Denny drove over, the conversion giving the visitors a 10-7 lead.

Percy Park scored again seven minutes later when Richard Ponton went round the outside to dive in at the right touchline.

Despite their inferiority, York could feel aggrieved about Percy Park's third try which followed a blatantly forward pass. That put through winger Marcus Turner, who chipped at the 22 and ran to touch down and end York's resistance. The kick was converted for a 22-7 victory.

Kay said: "We didn't get it done up front, didn't set a platform and if you play a game without the ball for 65 minutes you will struggle.

"We haven't played well enough to win. But it is still all to play for, and Durham City away becomes a massive game for us."

Updated: 10:47 Monday, December 20, 2004