AFTER a festive freeze-out of fixtures City of York hockey teams managed to squeeze in some action.

City of York 'A' - a combination of the first and fourth teams - took on Leeds 'A' at home. But they were shaded to the honours by the odd goal of a seven-goal thriller.

City of York V saw their game cancelled, but the City of York VI played, losing 4-2 to Stockton III.

Stockton took an early lead, but York showed great spirit to level, Joel Johnson turning the ball home.

Almost immediately, Stockton re-took the lead, but City again came up with the equaliser when Russell Grant's pass was guided in by Richard Tanner-Smith.

Stockton hit back with a double strike after the break, but this did not stop City striving to get back into the game, with Clive Mills-Hicks having a strike disallowed.

However, Stockton could have gone further in front, but for a super save from Tony Moffatt from a penalty stroke, while Nick Longster was outstanding in defence.

City of York VII also tasted defeat, losing 3-2 to Leeds IV.

The Boxing Day clash between a City of York XI and the Pandas (St Peter's School Old Boys) took place on a unpredictable frozen grass pitch on which York won 2-1.

Updated: 12:00 Wednesday, January 09, 2002