A MUCH improved performance was not enough for Selby Town to halt their slump as they lost 2-1 at Harworth Colliery yesterday.

The Robins were unable to turn their dominance into points and were punished by a late penalty from the hosts as they slipped to seventh place in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League division one table.

The visitors started well and their pressure told in the 27th minute when Joe Dale struck after the ball was deflected into the air 15 yards out. Dale had his back to goal but twisted to hit a superb overhead kick which flew into the net.

That gave the Robins a half-time advantage but they were pegged back in the 64th minute when a free-kick was not cleared and the ball was returned into the Selby box. Harworth captain Sean Ebbs was left unmarked and able to divert the ball past goalkeeper Pete Lawrie.

The away side were undone again in the final minute when Ali Ann brought down his man to concede a penalty, with Ainsley Finney firing home the spot-kick.

Saturday sees the Robins play the first match of their centenary year at The Fairfax Plant Hire Stadium, with Shirebrook Town the opponents.

In the NCEL premier division, Knaresborough Town are third following their 2-1 home defeat to Bridlington Town.

Town trailed 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Chris Adams (33) and Andrew Norfolk (39) before Gregg Anderson netted a consolation 13 minutes from time.

Harrogate Railway Athletic drew 1-1 with Bottesford Town on home turf, with Stephen Smith claiming their equaliser in the 55th minute.

Elsewhere, Harrogate Town are sixth in the National League following yesterday's 2-1 home defeat to AFC Fylde.

Despite a penalty save from James Belshaw and goal from Mark Beck, a free-kick and late penalty from the visitors' Danny Rowe condemned Town to defeat.

Simon Weaver's men will look to bounce back on New Year's Day when they aim to avenge their Boxing Day loss to Halifax.

Also on New Year's Day, the area's Evo-Stik League sides are back in action, with Tadcaster Albion heading to east division leaders Morpeth Town aiming to bounce back from their surprise defeat to Pickering Town. The Pikes, meanwhile, host Marske United at Mill Lane.

In the top flight, it's derby time as Whitby Town host Scarborough Athletic in a 1pm kick-off.