Harrogate Town have climbed further away from the relegation dogfight thanks to three more points from their UniBond League division one clash with sixth-placed Chorley.

However, they had to defy a fine performance by the visitors to claim a 3-0 win, a final scoreline which flattered Mick Hennigan's men.

Steve Underwood put Harrogate ahead two minutes before the interval when breaking free in the penalty box to net from ten yards.

Chorley, who had seemed to make the better start, were then hit by two goals in 60 seconds with 15 minutes of the match remaining.

Jamie Horsley was fouled in the area and fellow substitute Andy Shelton scored from the spot, and almost immediately after the restart, Craig Elliott hit a great left-foot shot from the corner of the box to make it 3-0.

Town have now lost just twice in 14 games and it will take a marked downturn in form and results to drag them from mid-table back into the relegation scrap.

Inconsistent Selby Town blew hot on Saturday to beat sixth-placed Thackley in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Dominic Moyles gave them a great start, crashing the ball into the top corner from 20 yards out in only the second minute, though for the rest of the half, the Robins were pegged back by the visitors.

The game was bereft of many chances, but Thackley drew level five minutes before the interval when Reece Stead's deflected shot looped over Matthew Potter in the Selby goal.

Selby improved in the second half and they grabbed the winner on 71 minutes when Peter Collier's pass created the opening for Kristian Baxter who netted with a clinical finish.

Harrogate Railway stopped the rot following a run of four consecutive premier division defeats by earning a point at home to Glapwell.

However, they will be disappointed having twice held the lead through Alex Middleton and Peter Wrigley. Brendan Yates and Simon Poxon netted equalisers for Glapwell.

Goole's chances of catching up in the title race were already slim and have now been reduced further following a goalless draw at Sheffield.

Promotion-chasing Pickering Town did their chances of claiming a top-two finish in NCEL division one the power of good with a 3-1 win at lowly Rossington Main, while rivals Hall Road Rangers could only draw 1-1 with Gedling Town.

Adam Wash and Mark Wood gave the Pikes a 2-0 lead before poor defending allowed Scott Henderson to pull one back for Rossington before half-time.

In a battling second period, substitute Richard Dale thumped home a 35-yard screamer for Pickering to make the points safe.

Pikes boss Jimmy Reid said: "It was not the greatest performance in the world but it was three points, and sometimes the points are more important than the performance."

As reported in the Evening Press last week, Tadcaster Albion's match with Parkgate was postponed as their Ings Park ground was still not ready after refurbishment and repairs following the flooding in November.

The club plan to host a reserve match next week, however.

York RI remained stuck at the foot of the West Yorkshire League premier division despite putting up a battling performance at home to fifth-placed Whitkirk Wanderers, who won 2-1.

Champions Nestl Rowntree had to work hard to reach the semi-finals of the West Yorkshire League Premier Division Cup, eventually winning 2-1 on a terrible pitch at Horsforth St Margaret's.

"The pitch was like a ploughed field," said Rowntree's boss Jim Collis.

"We had to change our style of play and bypass the midfield but I was pleased with the commitment of the side."

Collis' men had shouts for a penalty turned down when Steve Ward looked to be upended twice in the box during a goalless first half.

They took the lead after the interval when Ward's fine volley was blocked on the line for Rob Ellis to net the rebound, and they doubled their advantage when Gavin Dickinson knocked home a cross from the right.

Horsforth pulled one back in injury time but it was too little too late.

Knaresborough Town were knocked out of the competition by league leaders Carlton Athletic, who recorded a 4-0 away win to join Nestle in the last four.

Steve Daley led the way with a brace, with Darren Edmonds and Godwin Douglas also scoring.

Pickering Town Under-19s' Northern Under-19 Alliance League match at Guiseley yesterday was postponed due to a frozen pitch.

Updated: 13:35 Monday, February 26, 2001