CUP-KINGS Harrogate Town just missed out on a notable hat-trick but live to fight another day in the FA Trophy.

After winning through to the first round of the FA Cup first round proper then beating Gainsborough in the UniBond Premier Division in midweek, Town boss John Reed was hoping Harrogate would complete a notable hat-trick of wins with victory at Gresley Rovers in the FA Trophy first round.

In the end, Reed and Town had to settle for a 0-0 draw, which means a replay at Wetherby Road tomorrow night.

Reed would no doubt have settled for a draw against the Dr Marten's outfit, bossed by former Leeds United defender Jon Newsome, prior to kick-off.

But he will no doubt be ruing a couple of missed opportunities that would have settled the tie on Saturday.

The best opportunity to win the match fell to the usually reliable Robbie Whellens just ten minutes from time.

But after former Scarborough defender Michael McNaughton headed the ball into his path, Whellans fired over the crossbar.

Former York City striker James Turley also wasted a good opportunity to score in the first-half but he also fired over from just six-yards.

Manager Reed admitted his side probably deserved the victory but reckons a win tomorrow, even with home advantage, is by no means certain.

"We will have to be at our best because they were very organised and Gresley certainly played their part on Saturday," he said.

Tomorrow night's match, kick-off 7.45pm, will have to produce a result, with extra-time and penalties to be played if necessary.

After their FA Cup exploits, Town's neighbours Harrogate Railway came back down to earth with a bump with a 2-0 home defeat to visiting Buxton in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Caine Cheetham opened the scoring for Buxton in the 12th minute and in a classic away-day sting Mark Reed made it 2-0 just 15 minutes from time to make sure of the three points.

Harrogate Town also played a decisive hand as Pickering Town earned a vital 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Borrowash Victoria.

Town boss Reed agreed to let former York City youth team striker Luke Ibbetson and ex-City midfielder Marc Thompson play for Steve Brown's Pikes to gain match fitness as both players recover from injury.

Ibbetson showed his class with goals in each half as Pickering picked up a vital three points in their bid to climb free from the threat of relegation.

Leaders Goole saw their title hopes to take a dent when they lost 1-0 to Glasshoughton Welfare, Jason Bradley's 50th minute goal proving decisive.

In division one of the NCEL, beleagured Tadcaster Albion are still searching for their first league win of the season after losing 1-0 at home to Long Eaton.

Kieron Heath scored the winning goal for the visitors.

Selby Town were not in league action this weekend.

They were due to entertain NCEL Premier Division second-placed outfit Brigg Town, however their proposed opponents were involved in the Lincolnshire Senior Cup.

Updated: 12:43 Monday, November 04, 2002