CITY of York I were not entirely happy with their final preparations for next Saturday's Northern Hockey League premier division opener against Sheffield.

Several late cry-offs forced changes for their final practice match against Kingston-upon-Hull I.

Hull took advantage to sweep in to a 2-0 lead, but York fought back with two goals from Chris Dutton. The first came after good work by Chris Wilson on the right and Dutton gobbled up his second after Nick Carter's short corner strike had been blocked by the Hull net-minder.

When Roz Ramli slotted York ahead by picking up a cross from the right and turned it in at the far post it seemed as though York would go on to win. But James Gilbert came close with a reverse stick sweep, Olly Couttie had a shot saved and coach Nigel Herd shot wide.

With no substitutes to call on, York faded in the final quarter and Hull equalised through Rob Moffatt, son of York's long-standing 'keeper Tony Moffatt, from a corner.

City of York II also had to be content with a draw, being held 1-1 at Halifax I.

The West Yorkshire side took the lead but York equalised from a short corner when Jonathan Jenkin put in a reverse stick hit after David Rowlands' initial strike.

The skills of Richard Jenkin, Luke Ramli and Matt Couttie caught the eye for York.

Jason Bemrose scored one and set up City of York III's equaliser two minutes from time as they drew 2-2 at home with Halifax II. Sweeper David King had a fine game for York.

Denis Hooton and Matt Boyle were on target as City of York IV lost 3-2 against a Harrogate III side containing several second-teamers.

Harrogate IV also beat City of York V 4-3 with the York goals coming from brothers Alex and Richard Cockram and David da Silva. A weaving run by Alex Cockram almost gave York an equaliser near the end.

Clive Mills-Hicks and Neil Reader were on target as City of York VI drew 2-2 at Harrogate V, where Tony Moffatt, in goal, and defender Dan Fusse were in fine form.

City of York VII completely outclassed a young Harrogate VI side to win 8-0 with goals by Edward Shouksmith (3), skipper Damien Greig (2), Alistair Blacklee (2) and Chris Armstrong, whose goal was his first in two years.

Veteran Ben Smalley and 'keeper Natham Sorby played well in defence as City of York VIII lost 3-0 at Halifax III, while Joshua Bolton showed good skill.

Updated: 11:26 Tuesday, October 01, 2002