Blacksmiths Arms are finding the going tough in the York John Smith's Sunday Football League top division as shown in their latest defeat at home to defending champions Severus SC.

The visitors were rarely in trouble once Walker had given them the lead and a hat-trick from Londesborough, two goals for Woodward, a second for Walker and a solo Moss strike gave them an 8-2 victory.

Blacksmiths persisted, however, and goals for Newton and Cooper underlined a never-say-die attitude which may yet spare them an immediate return to division two.

Pocklington remain at the foot of the table after a 2-0 defeat at Volunteer Arms.

The game looked to be heading for a tame goalless draw until Arms' substitute Jackson latched onto a through ball and coolly slotted home. McKenzie wrapped up the points when he lobbed a return clearance over the goalkeeper from 30 yards.

Division two leaders Shipton stormed into a 3-0 lead inside the first ten minutes against Edward VII through goals from Steve Blake (2) and West. Franks pulled one back and then an Eddie Phillips brace levelled matters before half-time.

The second period was a much tighter affair and only superb goalkeeping from Andy Blake prevented Edward VII from taking the lead before West grabbed the winner for Shipton.

Lee Jackson and Danny Gray each bagged two goals, boosted by a Will Moore strike, in Acomb WMC's 5-1 win at Hemingbrough for whom Chalkeley was on the mark.

Beech netted twice as Acomb SC won 3-0 at home to York Nomads, while Pouton got the goal that earned Boot & Slipper a point against Burnholme (Earswick).

In division three, Wigley hit a hat-trick as Bishopthorpe moved four points clear at the top with a 5-4 win over Heworth.

Norman went one better as he struck four for Beeswing in a 6-4 defeat of Real Way Station for whom Richardson bagged a brace.

Barlby moved off the bottom with a 5-0 win over The Five Lions courtesy of goals from Hamblin (2), Shah, Tingey and an own goal.

Acomb Celtic are up to second place in division four after pounding Poppleton Road WMC 5-0 thanks to goals from Bee, Benton, Gallagher, Rankeillor and Hufton.

Howells and Gargan both netted trebles as Rumours hit top form with a 9-3 win over Black Swan.

Division five leaders Quaker Wood had little difficulty in overcoming Fulford Reserves with Holmes (3), Bruce (2) and an own goal accounting for their plunder in a 6-0 win.

Thomas's Hotel stayed on their tails with a 5-3 success at CPP for whom Vanbui scored twice.

Fletcher, Creary, Bennett and Ranby all got two goals apiece as Selby Griffin beat Pocklington Rangers 8-1.

Metcalfe bagged his 20th goal of the season and his fifth hat-trick as Raskelf won 3-1 at Firkin 103.

Hartas, Brandon, Cammidge and Coulson shared the booty in Wanderers' 4-3 win at Edinburgh Arms for whom Farrar, Kennedy and Vaughan replied.

Updated: 11:22 Friday, December 03, 2004