TRUE grit of champions-elect was amply displayed by Tadcaster Albion even though their three nearest Northern Counties East League premier division rivals gained ground.

Chasing four elements of silverware, Tadcaster found themselves trailing 1-0 at half-time at home to Handsome Parramore and then 3-1 with just six minutes to go.

But following on from a George Bissett strike that levelled at 1-1 on the hour, Albion staged their gutsy comeback.

Top marksman Josh Greening reduced the deficit to one goal in the 84th minutes and then, in stoppage-time, seasoned campaigner Denny Ingram struck an equaliser for a 3-3 share-all and a previous point.

For as the Brewers failed to win, their lead at the summit was pegged back to just three points with Cleethorpes, Shaw Lane Aquaforce and Worksop were all notching big victories.

An hour-mark strike by Wayne Aziz gave hosts Pickering Town hope with the midfielder’s goal halving a 2-0 half-time deficit. But then visitors Thackley poached a third for a 3-1 win.

In NCEL division one, recent signing Tom Chamberlain struck the only goal of the game for Selby Town to profit to the maximum at Hall Road Rangers, while Knaresborough Town were also 1-0 winners courtesy of a Liam Gray goal a minute before half-time to down visitors Grimsby Borough.

Harrogate Town held out to survive a feverish finale on the Lancashire coast from where they returned with three points from their Conference North clash.

Town were well in command by the half-hour mark after goals from Andy Gascoigne - his fourth in as many outings - and Paul Clayton - his first for the Wetherby Roaders.

But when Fylde cut the deficit 11 minutes from time Harrogate endured more than a few nervy moments before hanging on.

Another late strike was struck by Harrogate Railway Athletic, but by the time of Fatlum Ibrahami’s goal, Evo-Stik first division North title favourites Darlington 1883 were already out of sight at five goals to the good, led by a Terence Galbraith hat-trick.

A 90th minute was poached by Thomas Corner for Scarborough Athletic after Jimmy Beadle’s opener on the hour was wiped out in the 89th minute by hosts Droylsden.