TITLE-CHASING Haxby United made it 12 wins from 12 games as they beat Poppleton United 2-1 in the York Minster Engineering Football League premier division.

The home side did not have it all their own way as Poppleton started the brighter and went in front after 15 minutes through John Beech.

Haxby rallied before half-time, but missed a host of chances to equalise.

The second half saw Haxby gain the upper hand and Chris Dyson slipped the ball home to make it even on the hour Steve Ward missed a penalty for Haxby, but Ash Hill came up with a strike worthy of winning any game, smashing the ball into the top corner from 25 yards.

Haxby are only two points behind league leaders Dunnington and have four games in hand on the table-toppers, who were 2-0 victors at Tate & Lyle.

Old Malton St Mary’s are still going strong in third place after a 4-1 home victory over Dringhouses.

Fourth-placed Kartiers trounced Wigginton Grasshoppers 5-1, while Hamilton Panthers stayed on their shoulders with a 3-0 success at Copmanthorpe.

Basement side Wilverfoss lost 3-1 at home to Huntington Rovers, while Tadcaster Albion’s struggles continued as they went down 2-1 at Riccall United.

In division one, Malton & Norton remain on course for an immediate return to the top flight after a 2-1 victory at Bishopthorpe.

Their closest challengers – Post Office and Pocklington Town – both faltered as they were held to 1-1 draws.

Post Office drew at Thorpe United, while Pock could only return from Tockwith with a point.

Fourth-placed York Railway Institute were 5-1 winners at home to struggling Ouseburn United.

Division two leaders Heworth won 6-2 at Aviva to stay five points clear of St Clement’s, who won 10-1 at Osbaldwick.

• Don’t miss The Press tomorrow for more York Minster Engineering Football League reports.