Rivis hat-trick turns loss into vital victory for Malton & Norton (From Gazette & Herald)

Rivis hat-trick turns loss into vital victory for Malton & Norton

3:27pm Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport

RYAN RIVIS was the hero as Malton & Norton moved to within a point of York Minster Engineering League division one leaders Aviva after a 4-3 win at White Horse.

The hosts, defending an unbeaten 15-match home run, led at the break through a John Marshall penalty and a Chris Thompson goal.

Marcus Godsell reduced the arrears early in the second period, but a second goal of the game from Marshall restored the Church Fenton side’s two-goal cushion.

The Ryedale outfit, facing their first away defeat in 14 matches, mounted a magnificent comeback as Rivis hit a hat-trick inside the final half hour.

Amotherby & Swinton drew 2-2 at Wilberfoss – after conceding two late goals.

George Moore and Andy Philips struck in the first half for Amotherby, with Wilberfoss replying through Jed Vale and a Kristian Wilkinson own goal. Amotherby still need two more points to secure their future in division one.

They started slowly at Foss and it took a fine save from Kevin Jacques to wake them up. Chances were soon created and Moore put the visitors ahead after a mix-up in defence allowed the striker to nip in.

Richard Webster’s last-ditch clearance kept the lead intact before Philips struck, playing a one-two with Ryan Boyd on half-way line before racing down the wing, cutting inside and slotting an effort past the goalkeeper.

Amotherby were clean through several more times, only to be deemed offside.

Moore missed a chance early in the second half after a superb through ball from Simon Wall, before poor marking from a corner allowed Foss to halve the deficit.

More controversial refereeing decisions cost Amotherby opportunities and they paid the price when a whipped ball from the left was headed into his own net by Wilkinson.

Amotherby pushed for a winner but efforts from Ollie Varey, Matthew Webster, Moore and Philips failed to trouble the ’keeper. Jonny Dunning was named man of the match for an impressive first-half display.

Last week Malton & Norton reserves celebrated promotion from reserve ‘C’ and this week a 3-0 home win over Hemingbrough reserves sealed the championship.

Callum Holmes, Steve Hoggard and an own goal ensured Malton remain unbeaten with only three games to go.

• The York Minster Engineering League will have vacancies next season for first teams and reserve teams. Further information is available by phoning league secretary Peter Gibson on 01904 796765.