IN-FORM Pickering Town climbed to fifth in the Northern Counties East League premier division with a 3-0 win at Heanor Town.

The Pikes picked up their sixth win in seven games despite the loss of club record scorer Liam Salt to a head injury in the first half.

Liam Shepherd’s 31st-minute goal gave the visitors a half-time lead and two goals in six minutes by Joe Danby clinched the points.

Danby netted from close range on 53 minutes and then fired in a 30-yard shot on 59 minutes as Jimmy Reid’s men kept up the pressure on fourth-placed Tadcaster Albion.

Goals from Josh Barrett, Chris Youldon and Stuart Rise earned Albion a 3-0 victory at Long Eaton United.

Barrett set the ball rolling on seven minutes and Youldon doubled the lead on 66 minutes, with Rice putting the seal on the win with three minutes remaining.

Scarborough wrapped up the top-flight title with a 2-0 home victory over Retford United thanks to goals from Bryan Hughes and Tony Hackworth.

The Seadogs will now await confirmation of their promotion to Evo-Stik League division one north.

Selby Town suffered their first defeat in six division one matches as they lost 3-0 to Emley at Flaxley Road, while fifth-placed Knaresborough Town drew 1-1 at Cleethorpes.

Ten-man Harrogate Town saw their play-off hopes extinguished after a 0-0 draw at home to Stalybridge in Blue Square Bet North.

’Keeper Jose Da Veiga was red-carded for handling outside his area in the 11th minute. Matt Bloomer donned the gloves and kept a clean sheet.

Harrogate Railway Athletic crashed 4-0 at New Mills in Evo-Stik League division one north.

Christopher Luby netted twice in the space of four first-half minutes and second-half goals were added by Samuel Egerton and Michael Fish.