AMOTHERBY & Swinton edged closer to safety in division one of the York Minster Engineering Football League thanks to a 3-2 home win over fellow strugglers Pocklington – a result which consigned Haxby United to the drop.

It was one of only seven games in the entire league, and the only match in division one, to beat the wintry weather on Saturday.

Pocklington – and Haxby, who have now suffered successive relegations – will not be too chuffed it went ahead, though.

It was visitors Pock who opened the scoring but, before the break, Andy Phillips and Jim Baxter put Amotherby in front and the win was confirmed in the second period as Phillips, the division’s top scorer, bagged his second of the game.

The race for promotion in division two is now wide open.

Leaders Osbaldwick suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Tadcaster Magnets, who raced into a three-goal lead through Danny Clarkson, Josh Tinkler and Andy Kitchen before an own goal reduced the deficit. Taddy ensured they could still take one of the promotion places as they added further goals from Ben Wilson, Joe Smyth and Tom Broadbent.

Second-placed Rawcliffe Rangers were denied maximum points when hosts Strensall snatched a last-minute equaliser to level the game at 3-3.

Twice Strensall led, initially through Chris Cooper and then Jack Wilson, but Rangers replied with goals from Danny Coulson, Dave Stoner and Ben Hunter before the hosts took a share of the points with Danny Mason’s late goal.

Representatives of division three leaders F1 Racing spent all Saturday morning ensuring their pitch was playable – but their efforts went unrewarded as F1 suffered their first home defeat since September 2011.

It was a shock, too, struggling Crayke leaving with the spoils from a 3-2 win. Jack Cartwright scored twice for the visitors in the first half and shortly after the break Crayke went further ahead courtesy of an own goal. George Trifan and Liam McKenzie replied for F1.

• There will be vacancies for first and reserve teams in the 2013/14 York Minster Engineering League season. All interested parties should phone league secretary Peter Gibson on 01904 796765.

Gibson is also looking to retire from his post and anyone interested in taking over the role can also phone him.