Paul Clayton scored the winner for Harrogate Town at Chorley. Picture: Craig Hurle
Harrogate Town are up to third in the Vanarama National League North after an impressive 1-0 victory at Chorley.
Paul Clayton’s first half close range finish also ensured that their unbeaten run was extended to five games.
Harrogate had plenty of chances in the opening half and the pressure had been mounting when Clayton’s half-volley crashed into the net past Chorley goalkeeper Sam Ashton.
Ashton then kept his side in the game by saving Dom Knowles’ goal-bound effort on the stroke of half-time.
Chorley piled on the inevitable pressure in the second half. However, the defending from Danny Ellis, Luke Shiels and goalkeeper Peter Crook meant Chorley found it impossible to find a way through.
Crook also made an excellent stop from Chris Doyle’s header as time wore on.
Harrogate held on and next up is Bradford (Park Avenue) at the CNG Stadium tomorrow afternoon.
Harrogate Town: Crook, Turner, McWilliams, Thirlwell, Shiels, Ellis, Emmett, Nyoni, Clayton, Knowles, Daniels. Subs: Thewlis, Colbeck, Swain, Kerry, Platt.
Referee: R Wild
Attendance: 1033