PICKERING Town’s pursuit of Cleethorpes Town has proved in vain in the Toolstation Northern Counties East League Premier Division.

The Lincolnshire club, who won 3-0 at Bottesford Town last Thursday and 4-0 at Athersley Recreation on Saturday, have won the sole promotion berth to Evo-Stik League Division One North after five seasons in the Northern Counties.

However, the Pikes were confirmed in second place, after their 5-0 victory at Harrogate Railway Athletic on Good Friday, when Bridlington Town were beaten 2-1 at home by Thackley a day later.

Lewis Taylor (penalty), Nick Thompson, Eddy Birch, George Bissett and Ryan Blott were on target against The Rail.

Almost as emphatic was Knaresborough Town’s 5-1 home defeat by Pontefract Collieries, also on Good Friday, which put the visitors top of the table on goal difference ahead of AFC Emley. Colin Heath had put Town ahead in the 38th minute, but they conceded a nap in the second half to Glynn Cotton (2), Luke Jeffs, Jack Greenhough and Kane Reece.

Selby Town drew 1-1 at home to play-off chasing Penistone Church on Saturday, having taken the lead via Dane Mortimer in the 35th minute, Scott Whittington levelling after 68 minutes.

Scarborough Athletic host Tadcaster Albion tomorrow in Evo-Stik Division One North, and warmed up with a 3-0 victory at Bamber Bridge, courtesy of a brace by Benny Igiehon and a goal by Jameel Ible in front of 412 fans.

In Vanarama National League North, Warren Burrell’s exquisite late strike could not prevent Harrogate Town from falling to a 2-1 defeat at Nuneaton Town.

Nuneaton’s goals came from a wind-assisted free-kick by Greg Mills in first-half stoppage time, and a Devon Kelly-Evans finish five minutes from time. Burrell’s goal was a 25-yard volley.