HARROGATE Town host Fylde in a key Vanarama National League clash on Saturday looking to bounce back from their shock Boxing Day defeat to Yorkshire rivals Halifax.

Dayle Southwell's 88th-minute goal sent Town to a 2-1 loss at The CNG Stadium and saw them slip to sixth in the table, with Fylde going above them on goal-difference.

Harrogate had gone into the break ahead thanks to Callum Howe's seventh goal of the season, but Nathan Clarke headed an equaliser 10 minutes into the second period and Southwell nicked the spoils for the Shaymen late on, striking low and hard across goal to inflict just a second home league defeat of the season on Simon Weaver's side.

Weaver had made two changes from Saturday's trip to Eastleigh as Jack Muldoon returned to the line-up, while Michael Woods made his first start since re-signing from Hartlepool.

Harrogate were on top in the first half and deservedly went in front in the 36th minute as Joe Leesley's free kick found Howe at the back post and he controlled and volleyed home.

Halifax levelled from a corner, though, Clarke arriving at the back post to head in.

Town had the better of the few chances thereafter but it was Halifax who struck.

Meanwhile, in the Northern Counties East League premier division, Knaresborough Town also face a key clash at home to Bridlington on Saturday (3pm), with both sides having promotion aspirations.

Boro will be looking to sign off a goal-laden December on another high note, having bounced back from a disappointing November by netting no fewer than 19 times in four wins from four league outings this month.

Relegation-threatened Harrogate Railway host Bottesford Town looking for three vital points.

Selby Town will also be eager to end 2018 on a high as they look to get their promotion push in division one back on track.

The Robins, now fifth, have picked up only one point from four matches so far in December but will be looking for a maximum return on Saturday as they visit lowly Harworth Colliery.