NORTHERN Counties East premier division new boys Shirebrook Town took another scalp last night in a 3-2 defeat of Selby Town.

Promoted Shirebrook had already hinted at their capabilities with a surprise 2-0 win over Pickering Town on the opening day and continued their promising start last night by defeating the one-time promotion favourites from last term.

Simon Johnson scored the first of his match-winning hat-trick before half-time, adding two more in the 73rd and 82nd minutes. Cameron Stuart reduced the deficit to 2-1 but Shirebrook stretched ahead again and Stephen Ward's 90th-minute strike was a mere consolation.

Selby Town boss Bob Lyon said: "We got what we deserved really with the way we defended. We just gave them three goals.

"These teams that come up are always up for it big style but, without meaning to be disrespectful, as the season wears on, I doubt very much they will be up there."

Harrogate Railway's match at Buxton was postponed because of the weather.

Updated: 11:24 Thursday, August 26, 2004