Evo Stik Division One North
Harrogate Railway 1-2 Burscough
Harry Coates on the attack for Harrogate Railway. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Once again struggling Harrogate Railway walked off the field wondering ‘how did lose that’?
Ultimately giving play-offs chasing Burscough a two-goal head-start cost them. Nathan Curtis’ strike towards half-time brought Rail’ real hope, but despite a huge effort, Lee Ashforth’s side were unable to force an equaliser.
Only eight games remain for Harrogate to pull off the great escape.
The damage in their latest match was done in the first 16 minutes. Paul Williams curled a free kick around Railway’s wall for the opener and then unmarked Will Jones doubled Burscough’s lead.
Railway’s response was good and Curtis cleverly volleyed a Harrogate corner home after lurking in the shadows towards the edge of the penalty area. Burscough goalkeeper Calvin Hare then rescued his team after Harry Coates’ goal-bound header tested him to the limit.
Railway dominated possession in the second half, but failed to hurt Burscough. The visitors were lucky not to have a man sent off after referee Peter Henger bottled a red card after an elbow on Railway’s Harry Coates.
Ashforth threw new signing Paul Beesley into the breach to add even more life to his dangerous frontline, but Burscough survived to claim the three points.
Harrogate Railway: Hallwood, Coates, Clamp (Bromley 82), Curtis, Parkes, Thirkell, Lovegreen, Purewal (Beesley 72), Mellor, Ovington, Low. Subs unused: Devine, Peers, Mason.
Referee: Peter Henger
Ref Rating: 6/10
Attendance: 74
Man of the match: Chris Ovington (Harrogate Railway)