Toolstation NCEL Division One
Harrogate Railway 1-3 Clipstone
Harrogate Railway blew the chance to move to within three points of the play-offs zone after failing to build on a fast start against Clipstone who fully deserved their victory.
Railway had hoped to secure a third consecutive victory but a poor performance consigned them to defeat.
Their 14th minute opener had been coming.
Josh Hardcastle deserves the most credit for it as he won the ball back down the right.
He drove into the penalty area close to the dead-ball line before picking out Joe Crosby who slid the ball home from close range.
Instead of acting as the catalyst for more goals from Railway, it proved to be a wake-up call for Clipstone.
The visitors went close 60 seconds before a cross from the right was turned in by the head of Jack Warwick.
Kieran Greenway then watched his thunderbolt free kick get palmed wide.
Clipstone turned the screw and deservedly led at half-time.
Josh Pickering, who almost scored again soon after, rifled an excellent shot into the net from outside the box.
Railway huffed and puffed in the second half.
Marcus Day and Joe Crosby went close.
Day also had a stonewall penalty appeal turned down during a controversial two minute period which could have seen a red card after Hardcastle had to hobble off after a wild challenge.
Railway boss Mick O’Connell was cautioned during the commotion after Day was denied a penalty.
Clipstone searched for killer third goal and they hit the post from inches away in the first charge.
They eventually won the ball back and Mitch Mullins was brought down.
The referee gave the penalty and Declan Sorrell stepped up and blasted it home without issue.
The Teams
Harrogate Railway: Wilton, Hardcastle, Seyffert, Danby, Thirkell (captain), Holmes, Crosby, Greenway, Day, Ibrahimi, Gore. Subs: Shaw, Navier, McDaid, Rhodes, Drake.
Clipstone: Bryan, Blackbourn, Wells, Mullins, Lewis Warwick, Whitton, Wright, Heather, Jack Warwick, Massey, Pickering. Subs: Ogden, Carrington, Sorrell.
Who Was In Charge
Joshua Brayshaw (5/10)
How Many Were There
72
Man of the Match
Josh Pickering (Clipstone)