PICKERING Town and Harrogate Town travelled contrasting routes to reach cup semi-finals.

The Pikes, pressing hard for the Northern Counties East League premier division title, needed extra time before seeing off NCEL first division hosts Garforth Town in a five-goal President's Cup thriller.

After a stalemate first half, the Pikes drew ahead with a 62nd-minute goal from Mark Swales. But 11 minutes from the end of normal time Garforth restored parity through Jack Jacques-Doblon to take the tie into extra-time.

Alex Mathie's men again restored their advantage, Brian Dutton on target. Once more Garforth countered with a Paul Robinson leveller before Gavin Dickinson buried a header from a Swales' cross to seal a home semi-final against either Selby Town or Buxton.

Harrogate Town's semi-final berth was comfortably secured as the Nationwide North hosts toppled NCEL premier division outfit Selby Town 3-0 in their West Riding County Cup third round replay. Danny Holland (2) and Sam Warburton were the scorers.

Tonight, Harrogate Railway bid to reach the NCEL League Cup semi-finals at home to Carlton Town.

Updated: 11:31 Wednesday, February 09, 2005