Selby Town went top of the Northern Counties East League premier division after a hard-fought 3-1 win over Long Eaton at Flaxley Road.

The Robins started well and took the lead after just three minutes when Adam Wash hammered in a powerful shot from 15 yards but the visitors equalised through Kevin Mabon.

Selby were back in front soon after when Wash headed in a rebound after Joe Connor's shot was blocked by 'keeper Whalin.

The visitors found goalkeeper Adam Mitchell in fine form as he made three good saves to keep Selby in front at the break.

Long Eaton continued to have long periods of possession in the second half but the Selby defence denied them and the visitors were reduced to ten men in the 73rd minute when Mabon was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

The Robins took control, wrapping up the game in the 88th minute when substitute Dominic Graham scored with a neat finish.

Previous leaders Harrogate Railway's game at Thackley was postponed, which saw them slip to third as Goole also took the chance to leapfrog them by thumping Maltby Main 8-1.

Troy Bennett gave Paul Marshall's men an early lead and Gary Shaw hit two as they led 3-1 at the break, Rishi Mathdeen replying.

Shaw completed his hat-trick in an onslaught which brought two goals for Tony Weatherald and further strikes from Ben Eastwood and Joe Gaughan with a penalty.

Pickering Town lost ground as they drew 1-1 with Shirebrook Town, though they salvaged a point thanks to a Lee Dawson own goal.

In division one, Tadcaster Albion took a point in a goalless draw at Lincoln Moorlands, even though Matt Cressey was sent off for an alleged head-butt offence.

Harrogate Town maintained their unbeaten home record in Conference North against Lancaster but, despite dominating, had to settle for a 1-1 draw. Marc Smith headed Town ahead but Peter Thomson levelled.

Updated: 10:23 Monday, January 10, 2005