KIRK Jackson marked his first start in eight weeks with the second goal in Harrogate Town's 3-0 romp against crisis club Lancaster City.

The striker had been out of action for close on two months, so it was a timely return as his tap-in from Colin Hunter's cross helped keep manager Neil Aspin's side in the Nationwide North mix.

Town cruised to victory at Wetherby Road against the bottom club, who have gone into administration and expect to have ten points docked from their miserable nine-point tally this week.

It was one-way traffic all the way and the only surprise was that it took Harrogate 28 minutes to open the scoring when midfielder Roy Hunter headed in a Danny Holland cross via the underside of the bar.

The two Hunters then combined to give Jackson a simple chance from six yards and five minutes after the break former York City defender Dave Merris cut in to crack home a shot from 15 yards.

Aspin withdrew leading scorer Holland as a precaution and even had the luxury of replacing goalkeeper James Lindley five minutes from the end with his deputy Martyn Wood.

Poor City could hardly get out of their half and with other results going their way, Harrogate, with games in hand, could move within striking distance of automatic promotion.

The win moved them up into fourth place, eights points adrift of leaders Droylsden, who have played two games more. Droylsden were held 0-0 at home by third-placed Blyth Spartans.

Town's game against Scarborough on Saturday, February 3, will be segregated on advice from North Yorkshire Police.

Harrogate fans will enter via turnstiles A' and D' with Boro supporters going through turnstiles B' and C'.

The visitors will be positioned in the Wetherby Road standing area with provision for extra capacity behind the goal at the hospital end if necessary.

The segregation means that Boro fans will not have access to Town's social club.

Scarborough's game against Kettering, postponed on Saturday because of the Poppies' involvement in the FA Trophy, will be held on Tuesday, January 30, at the McCain Stadium.