YORK Minster Engineering League champions Old Malton St Mary's will begin the New Year seven points clear at the top of the premier division after capping a successful 2014 with a 3-0 victory over Dringhouses.

Daman Cox twice produced clinical finishes when left one on one with the Dringhouses keeper to give Malton the edge before Steve Baxter tapped home the rebound after Darren Dunning’s penalty and follow-up were both superbly saved.

Saints were given another boost when hearing that closest pursuers, Dunnington, were humbled again by their bogey side, Huntington Rovers, crashing 4-1, with Chris Dyson hitting a hat-trick.

Old Malton host pointless Easingwold this Saturday, and another three points will be expected - as will a big boost to the team's goal difference.

St Mary's match on Saturday was switched to neighbouring rugby union ground the Gannock as their own pitch was made unplayable by the weather, and the heavy, bobbly playing surface meant attractive football was virtually impossible.

Malton made uncharacteristic mistakes, too, and only good scrambling from Callum Scott denied Dringhouses a shot on goal from one misplaced pass, while a miscued clearance from keeper Ben Gill was smashed back over his head and only narrowly wide. Gill also had to tip a free kick over the bar.

Malton, though, also made chances and they took the lead when a quick break allowed Steve Baxter to find strike partner Tom Fenwick in the box. His attempted shot fell kindly for the onrushing Cox to sweep home for a lead that rarely looked in doubt.

Old Malton put on a much better show in the second half playing down the slope and dominated throughout.

Rich Dunning missed an early chance but then followed a sublime goal as Fenwick's beautiful touch played in the fast-breaking Cox, who confidently bent his shot into the corner.

The third goal was more fortunate as Dean Nuttall's strong run was ended as the ball bounced up onto a defender's arm, with the referee awarding a harsh penalty.

Player-boss Darren Dunning's weak spot-kick was saved, as was his follow-up effort, but Baxter hammered the loose ball into the top corner.

It was all too much for the Dringhouses manager who was sent from the ground.

Elsewhere, Riccall United maintained third place with a 6-2 triumph over Harrison Signs, former Selby Town hitman Ian Beckram scoring four of the goals, while fellow title hopefuls Tadcaster Magnets also returned to winning form, seeing off York RI 6-0, Philip Smith notching a hat-trick.

Saints' Ryedale neighbours, Terrington Glory, meanwhile, face a fight to stay clear of relegation in 2015.

They ended 2014 with a 6-1 defeat by Wigginton Grasshoppers, Matthew Tiplady their chief destroyer with a hat-trick.

Tiplady scored his first league goal in seven games to open the scoring after 10 minutes, with Jamie Willstrop doubling the advantage six minutes later. Tiplady netted again with a powerful drive after 25 minutes, shortly before Tom Coates curled home a neat finish to make it 4-0 at the interval.

Tiplady completed his hat-trick with a volley two-thirds of the way through the game and Grasshoppers’ scoring was completed by Luke Hall moments later.

Johnny Brown hit a magnificent consolation goal for Glory from 30 yards with ten minutes remaining.

No other divisions had fixtures on Saturday but resume action this weekend.

Glory have a tricky trip to Church Fenton White Rose, while, in division one, high-flying neighbours Brooklyn and Malton & Norton entertain lowly Cliffe and dark horses Hemingbrough United respectively, hoping to close the gap to leaders F1 Racing, who visit Total Sports United.