A DRAW at Copmanthorpe tonight will be enough to secure a first premier division title in five years for Dringhouses in the York Minster Engineering Football League.

The leaders moved to the brink of the championship with a 5-2 home victory over Old Malton St Mary’s on Saturday Craig McShane headed Dringhouses in front after only eight minutes and the champions-elect doubled their lead before the break through Mitch Carter.

Liam Stilgoe extended their advantage further before Simon Cooke pulled a goal back for the visitors.

Jon Newton hit Malton’s second goal, but it was sandwiched between goals from Danny Gray and Mike Byram as ’Houses recorded their first league win over Old Malton since April 2007.

Dunnington registered a third successive win at Huntington, beating Rovers 3-0.

Rob Hart gave Dunnington the lead after four minutes. Second-half strikes from Josh Tattersall and Scott Sullivan wrapped up the points to keep Dringhouses waiting a little longer before claiming the title.

Points deductions for breaching league rules have condemned Kartiers to relegation, but who joins them is a one-from-four scenario.

Hamilton Panthers registered back-to-back wins for the first time this season to improve their chances of survival.

They trailed 4-0 at the break at Kartiers with all the home goals coming from Tom Littlewood.

However, Panthers somehow managed to win 6-4 with goals from Paul King (2), Ryan O’Riley and an Adam Russell hat-trick.

Easingwold found an opportune time to end an 11-match winless run as they triumphed 2-1 at fellow strugglers Poppleton United.

Nick Thorn hit the second half winner for Easingwold after Fraser Shields’ goal was cancelled out by Alex Janes for the hosts.

No win in four games has dragged York St John back into the relegation mire.

Their latest reverse was a 3-2 home defeat to Tadcaster Albion, who ended a run of six straight away defeats.

Mike Wibberley and Matty Fenney netted for the students.

Robin Bedford scored for the sixth game on the trot as Copmanthorpe beat Riccall 4-0.

Cop’s other goals came from Matty Pallister, John Langley and Danny Leach.

York RI came from a goal down at Wilberfoss to win 5-2.

The RI nap hand was shared between Dave McNichol, Darren Sellars, Mark Woodward, with his 27th of the season, Nick Hutchinson, and Lee Powell. Mark Hughes and John Head replied for ’Foss.