Pickering Town's Clough strikes to claw back league leaders (From York Press)

Pickering Town's Clough strikes to claw back league leaders Retford United

10:21am Monday 23rd January 2012 in Football

SUBSTITUTE Darren Clough earned Pickering Town a priceless point against Northern Counties East League premier division leaders Retford United.

Clough struck with two minutes remaining at Mill Lane to cancel out Adam Scott’s 52nd-minute strike for the high-flying visitors.

The point leaves the Pikes six points clear of the drop zone with games in hand on three of the four teams below them in the table.

Tomorrow (7.45pm), manager Jimmy Reid takes his side to Thornaby to face Grangetown Boys Club in the last eight of the North Riding FA County Cup.

Basement side Selby Town suffered a crushing 6-0 reverse at Brighouse Town on Saturday.

A 14th-minute own goal gave the hosts the perfect start and Anthony Haigh struck in the 16th and 28th minutes to make it 3-0 at the interval.

After half-time, Nick Jagger, Tom Matthews and James Sutcliffe, from the penalty spot, doubled the scoreline.

Tadcaster Albion lost 2-0 at home to Armthorpe Welfare and their run of three matches without a win has seen them drop to fifth in the premier division standings.

James Walker and Joe Lumsden did the damage for the Ings Lane visitors in the first half.

Scarborough Athletic were beaten 2-1 when they ‘hosted’ landlords Bridlington Town.

Harrogate Town are only three points above the Blue Square Bet North relegation zone after a 5-2 defeat at Altrincham.

Damien Reeves netted four times for the home side – including twice in the first 24 minutes to put his side in control. However, former York City striker Paul Brayson pulled a goal back from the penalty spot on 31 minutes and then levelled six minutes after half-time.

Jack Redshaw nudged Alty back in front on 58 minutes and 31-goal marksman Reeves wrapped up the points with goals on the hour and after 75 minutes.

Harrogate Railway Athletic now boast the worst defence in Evo-Stik League division one north after shipping 12 goals in eight days.

Having lost 7-0 to leaders Fylde the previous weekend, Railway were thumped 5-1 at basement side Cammell Laird on Saturday.

They trailed 2-0 at the break to goals from Jack McGowan and Chris Adamson, before Luke Hinsley pulled a goal back on 47 minutes.

However, Aaron Bowen got Laird’s third and McGowan completed his hat-trick.