Hounds FC are in a commanding position at the top of the York John Smith's Sunday Morning Football League first division after a 3-2 derby win over Thorpe United.

Chris Harkin scored for the leaders after only five minutes before Lanaghan got the equaliser from the spot, but Harkin was on hands to poach another goal to take Hounds in 2-1 at the break.

After the interval, Clamp levelled for Thorpe but after United had a man sent off Hounds took advantage of the numerical superiority to seal the points from a curling Vinnie Rhodes free-kick.

Selby Olympia opened up the title race with a great 5-4 victory over close rivals Ainsty Panthers.

Panthers went 1-0 up after only 30 seconds through James Anderson with Mark Willoughby doubling the advantage. But after Ainsty lost the influential Tosh Reid with injury, Selby roared into the lead with three quick goals. Ainsty's Craig Ware made it all square 3-3 just before half time.

The second half was more of the same, and despite a late goal by Dean Dawson for Ainsty, Olympia hung on with their five-star plunder shared between Steve Jeff (2), Ryan Chadwick, Danny Chadwick and Chris Burton.

In the other big game, Marcia put paid to Severus 5-2. An Andy Green double, and strikes from Mark Ford, Ian Kettlewell and Steve Purdy secured the win for Marcia with McShane and Hutchinson replying for Severus.

Division two leaders Shipton saw their one hundred per cent league record shattered by second-placed York Nomads. The all-important goals came from a Bradley brace and Thompson for Nomads who narrowed the gap to only one point.

Bishopthorpe had Manns and Aconley finding the net in their 2-0 win over Hemingbrough, while Deramore Arms thumped Burnholme 6-1 with Jackson (2), Redpath, Hart, Andrews and James Luck on target.

Acomb Celtic missed two penalties in two minutes but still ran out 3-2 winners against Bay Horse Tadcaster in division three. Ian Hufton, Mark Benton and an own goal sealed the win with Sebine and Nicholls replying.

F1 Racing sped past Selby Olympia Reserves 7-1 with a Neil Yeowart hat trick the highlight. Two goals from Adrian Jordan, and one a piece from Mike Taylor and Chris Cox bolstered up F1's tally.

Enterprise are the new division four table-toppers after a 3-2 win over CPP thanks to a Steve Whelerton hat-trick.

Wanderers remain in the chase after their comprehensive 6-2 routing of Real Way Station. Darren Brandon, Tom Close, Dave and Gary Newton, Mike Cammidge and Daniel Coulson were the Wanderers' marksmen with a double for Littlewood being Station's reply.

Thomas's Hotel beat Carlton Tavern 3-0 in a scrappy encounter highlighted by skipper Dave Dixon running 50 yards before finishing first time from close-range.

Cawood lost their grip on top spot in division five after they were beaten 2-0 by New Earswick, for whom Danny Musgrave and Dan Lindsey scored.

Acomb Rangers took advantage by beating Forest FC to become the new leaders. Acomb came back from a 1-0 half-time deficit with goals from Chris Elliker, Leigh Dutton and Sean Stockdale.

Updated: 11:02 Friday, February 10, 2006