HARROGATE Town's searing start to the UniBond League premier division lost a semblance of steam when they were held to a goal-less draw by Droylsden.

The Wetherby Road hosts went into Saturday's duel as leaders after a brilliant brace of victories over Altrincham and Stalybridge.

But in a third showdown against a side from over the Pennines Harrogate were unable to scale similar heights.

The closest they came to breaching Droylsden's defence was shortly before half-time when former York City and Scarborough striker James Turley smacked a 20-yard drive that cannoned back off the crossbar.

Though Town pressed hard for a winner Droylsden held out, but at least for manager John Reed there was the not inconsiderable consolation of a third game without conceding a goal.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Counties East League premier flight Selby Town were thumped 3-0 at home by Glapwell.

It was a thoroughly lack-lustre display from the Robins, whose misery was deepened when captain Dominic Moyles missed a penalty.

Pickering Town also crashed 3-0 at Brodsworth.

Harrogate Railway Athletic's return from Glasshoughton Welfare was a share of the booty from a 2-2 draw.

Paul Stansfield fired the Rail in front, but the hosts regained the lead with two goals, the second after losing goalkeeper Dave Turner to a red card. Rail were rescued by a late Andy Sunley.

Goole Town will tomorrow entertain Flixton in an extra preliminary round FA Cup replay after a 1-1 draw.

Updated: 12:00 Monday, August 26, 2002