National League North
Harrogate Town 0-0 Boston United
One of the near misses during Harrogate’s 0-0 draw with Boston United. Picture: Craig Hurle
Harrogate Town all but secured a place in the play-offs after a draw with Boston United.
Town were handed a big boost, with Paul Beesley making his first start for the side this season, after having a brief spell on loan at Harrogate Railway after overcoming a serious injury.
Harrogate started brightly with Joe Colbeck and Brendan Daniels putting in dangerous deliveries although no-one could get on the end of them.
Boston had a threat as well with the highly rated ex Town loanee striker Dayle Southwell causing problems in the home area thought Danny Ellis was able to prevent him from scoring.
Harrogate’s full-back Lewis Turner had a good effort which dipped at the last minute saved by Boston keeper Fabian Speiss, who did well to keep it out, but Turner soon was taken off with a hamstring injury.
Town thought they had scored when a Colbeck free-kick eventually found Paul Clayton, who improvised and performed an overhead kick which just lacked a bit more pace as it was cleared off the line.
But Boston were in the play-off places for a reason and they carried a threat and nearly took the lead just before half-time, when a looping cross eventually found Scott Garner who from 5 yards out saw his effort smothered well by Peter Crook.
The second half began again with Town creating chances, Clayton was found in the area from a great pass, but from 8 yards out he attempted to place the ball into the net and it went wide.
Town then had a great chance, when Jordan Thewlis was through one on one with the keeper, but Boston’s Speiss was brave and saved at the forward’s feet.
Boston could have nicked it late on, when Carl Piergianni was found from a cross by Grant Roberts, his header looped over Town keeper Crook, but it was cleared off the line.
Town then in added time saw Speiss save well from Daniels as Harrogate had to make do with the point.
They next play Bradford (Park Avenue) in the West Riding County Cup which takes place at Bradford City’s ground on Tuesday.
Harrogate Town manager Simon Weaver:
Boston United manager Dennis Greene:
Harrogate Town: Crook, Colbeck, Turner (Thewlis 26) McGurk (Forster 45) Ellis, Swain, Kerry, Daniels, Platt, Beesley (Warren 55), Clayton. Subs unused: Gascoigne, Thirwell.
Webb-Foster stars for Avenue
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North Ferriby United are in the driving seat for second place after beating struggling AFC Telford 2-0. Danny Clarke and Curtis Bateson scored.
Guiseley not safe yet
Guiseley remain in danger in the National League Premier after Paul Lewis’ late goal consigned them to a 1-0 defeat at Macclesfield Town.