Harrogate Railway were left paying the price for poor discipline in the box last night after two Shirebrook Town penalties consigned them to a 2-1 Northern Counties East League premier division defeat.

Justin Burdett struck from the spot after 15 minutes to put the visitors ahead and, after Chris Howarth equalised for title-chasing Rail in the 48th-minute, he hit a second successful penalty to win it with less than ten minutes to go.

The result soaks up Railway's last game in hand on Goole and Sheffield and leaves them three points off second-placed Goole, who are in turn five points behind Selby Town, though the leaders have played two more games.

Pickering Town meanwhile continued their steady points accumulation with an impressive 4-0 win at Hallam.

They are now just three points behind the Rail with three games in hand.

Another good run in the FA Vase has left them playing catch-up in the league but might have put them in a nice position to quietly make up the ground as the run-in draws nearer.

The Pikes have also launched an appeal for sponsors - of building sand.

More than 60 tonnes are needed for ground improvement work at a cost of £20 a ton. Fans and local businesses can pledge their support by calling chairman Tony Dunning on 01751 472627 or groundsman Dave Ellis on 01944 758836.

Updated: 11:08 Thursday, February 03, 2005