TOWN'S Division III promotion rivals Hull moved to within a point of leaders Doncaster after grinding out a 2-1 victory at Boston last night.

The Tigers, who like Town, have a game in hand on Rovers, opened the scoring on 19 minutes when Stuart Elliott rifled a low free-kick into the back of the net after Paul Ellender handled the ball 20 yards out.

Peter Taylor's men made it 2-0 after 61 minutes when Australian ace Danny Allsopp scored his 14th goal of the campaign from just inside the penalty box.

Boston hit back five minutes later when Ellender unleashed a fine 16-yard drive, but although Steve Evans' men battled hard for a late equaliser, they could not break down City's stout rearguard.

Macclesfield have demoted John Askey to assistant manager as they fight to retain their League status.

Town's board made the decision "after much debate" and will announce Askey's successor as manager "in due course".

The Silkmen are second-bottom, three points adrift of safety, and have a key clash with York on Sunday.

Gary Alexander has signed a new three-year contract with Leyton Orient, who host Town on Saturday, and is focused on firing them to promotion next season.

Orient's play-off push has tailed off despite Alexander hitting 13 goals.

* Bradford Park Avenue, who host UniBond League basement side Waklefield and Emley on Saturday, climbed to 18th in the table after beating Ashton 2-1 last night.

* Golcar United were 2-0 winners in their West Riding County Amateur League Premier Division clash at second-placed Brighouse Town.

Paul Gilbertson and Lee Holmes hit the target for the fourth-placed Huddersfield side last night.