WIGGINTON Grasshoppers’ hopes of retaining their York Minster Engineering League premier division title were virtually extinguished following a 2-2 draw against current leaders Huntington Rovers.

Third-placed Grasshoppers fell behind when John-Paul Vass turned his defender and played a square ball across the box for Danny Gray to blast home.

Six minutes later, though, the scores were level after Harry Clapham headed home Jake Duckworth’s searching long ball.

The reigning champions then forged in front when Neale Holmes and Matt Tiplady combined and set Clapham free to slot home.

But Rovers secured a share of the spoils with almost a carbon copy of their first goal, as Vass got to the byline before crossing for Chris Dyson to fire home from close range.

Duckworth later saw his drive tipped on to the post by Rovers keeper Josh Sampson, meaning his team are now seven points clear of Old Malton St Mary’s at the top of the table.

Elsewhere, Thorpe United moved up to eighth with a 6-1 demolition of Copmanthorpe.

Paul Moran struck a hat-trick with Michael Brathwaite bagging a brace and Matthew Walker also finding the net. Cop’s reply was an own goal.

Sporting Knavesmire collected all three points as Danny Owers hit the only goal of the game against Poppleton United.

Dan Marshall rounded the Tadcaster Magnets keeper, after being teed up by Jonny Brown, to open the scoring for Kirkbymoorside in a nine-goal thriller

Magnets replied immediately, but the hosts were back in the lead on the half-hour mark when Marshall followed up an Olly Varey shot.

An action-packed end to the first period saw Kirkby move into a 4-1 lead, with Jonny Brown heading home before Keelan Simpson fired home an unstoppable shot.

Second-half efforts from Ben Teasdale and Simpson were cancelled out by two further Tadcaster goals but Kirkby were good value for their 6-3 win.

The top two sides in division one battled out a 2-2 draw, mainly thanks to the brilliance of Josh Archer in the Strensall goal who produced several fine saves to keep Pocklington at bay.

Jake Dunham and Nathan Walker struck for Pock with Chris Johnson and Liam Wingfield netting to earn the home side a point.

Easingwold occupy third position following their 4-1 win at Bishopthorpe United while Rawcliffe suffered a setback with a 4-3 loss at Riccall United, despite Elliot Hobson, Dave Hartas and Niall Smallwood goals.

A Jamie England penalty was all Cliffe mustered as they had three men sent off in their 5-1 home defeat to Tockwith.

Haxby Town fell at the the final hurdle on their trip to Harrison Signs, a late goal condemning them to a 3-2 defeat.

Adam Chaplin and David Fell notched for the away side with Charlie Cook, Wayne Turner and Joe Broughton bagging for Signs.

Only two games were played in division two.

Brooklyn gained a 1-0 success over Barmby Moor while Wilberfoss were 5-3 victors at The Beagle.

Danny Harrison-Little, Jamie Kirby and Connor Ryan found the net for the hosts.

In division three, LNER Builders gained a 4-1 win over Crayke to move top of the table on goal difference.

Wheldrake remain level with the leaders thanks to a 3-2 win at Stillington Sports and Social Club.

James Smith (2) and Christopher Verzi netted for Wheldrake with Spencer Martin and Nathan Hussain on target for the hosts.

Alex Carter and Rob Clark both struck doubles for Heslington in a 5-2 win over Walnut Tree. Nathan Brigham hit their fifth.

Goals from Nathan Wright, Roger Lorains and Sam Stannard gained Elm Park a 3-1 triumph at Swinton.