THE title race in the York Minster Engineering League premier division took a twist on Saturday as quadruple-chasing champions Old Malton St Mary’s were held to a shock goalless draw by Ryedale rivals Terrington Glory.

The result left them five points behind leaders Riccall United, who saw off Poppleton United 6-1 with Will Ramsay hitting a hat-trick, and, while they still have two games in hand, it means they cannot afford any slip-ups if Riccall continue to win.

Terrington, giving a performance full of intent, were full value for their point against a visiting side who rarely got out of second gear and rarely threatened to score.

It could easily have been more for Glory, too, as they missed a fifth-minute penalty.

Saints’ former Glory goalkeeper Ben Gill, charged out of goal and clattered striker Alex Yates, but, Gill was given a let-off as former Old Malton midfielder Ben Richardson screwed his spot kick wide.

Gill redeemed himself shortly afterwards as Yates was allowed a free run on goal but, as he attempted to round the keeper, the gloveman got a crucial toe on the ball.

Old Malton were guilty of sloppy play throughout the first half and were nearly caught out from one of their own corners as Alan Goforth led a two-on-one break before panicking and trying to beat Gill from 25 yards.

The second half was dominated by Old Malton but, with Adam Fisher excelling in Terrington’s central defence, they lacked a cutting edge, allowing Nicky Scaling in the home goal a relatively quiet afternoon.

Indeed the best chance of the half fell to the hosts as more sloppy play allowed Glory to free Thomas Paley, who under pressure slashed wide of goal. Old Malton’s best opportunity fell to Danny Fogg but he shot over when well placed.

Other half-chances fell to Daman Cox and Steve Baxter, the latter having an effort deflected wide.

Old Malton have no game this weekend, giving them time to prepare for their North Riding County FA Saturday County Cup final against Thirsk Falcons, at Pickering next Wednesday (March 18).

Division one promotion-chasers Brooklyn and Malton & Norton hit the goal trail to cut the gap to champions-elect F1 Racing, who had no game.

Malton & Norton routed relegated Hamilton Panthers 14-0.

There were hat-tricks for Simon Reeves, Kingsley Daffern and Matty Reeves, while Scott Preston and Brandon Read picked up two goals apiece and Sam Lander completed the spree.

Brooklyn won 6-1 at Total Sports, with Marcus Godsell (2), Mikey Brown (2), Andrew Metcalfe and Andrew Phillips the marksmen.

Stamford Bridge remained on course to join Kirkbymoorside in promotion from division three as they hammered Crayke 6-0.

Darren Brandon gave a man-of-the-match performance in midfield, while the marksmen were Paul Upton, John Cavanagh (2), Nathan Spreckley, Jamie Rank and Chris Bowles.

Settrington lost at Melbourne in division four, while Brooklyn reserves won 3-1 at Haxby United in the only Reserve Cup game of the day.

Young Harvey Townley was on target and man of the match for Old Malton St Mary’s reserves but they lost 4-1 at York Railway Institute in reserve ‘A’.

Zach Hall impressed for Malton & Norton but they lost 1-0 to Thorpe United in reserve ‘A’, while Stamford Bridge’s second string likewise lost 3-2 to Bishopthorpe United, man-of-the-match centre-back Andy Hope and Will Wood getting the Bridge goals.