Harrogate Town's poor turn of form continued with another UniBond League premier division defeat to Alfreton Town.

A penalty on the stroke of half-time followed by a 66th-minute effort sealed the win for Alfreton in a match that could have been very different if Mark Atkins had twice found the back of the net instead of the woodwork, with on-loan York City forward Aron Wilford also squandering chances.

Manager John Reed said: "When you hit the post twice you think maybe it just isn't your day and missed chances cost us. I thought a draw would have been a fair result."

Darlington midfielder Michael Coghlan and Scunthorpe United right-back Craig Morley - both new loan signings - made their Town debuts, while Scott Bonsall has signed for Stalybridge Celtic for a small fee.

Two second half goals from Middlesbrough's David Murphy were enough to force Pickering Town out of the North Riding Senior Cup.

A mixed junior side featuring players in the Under-20, U19, U17 and U16 ranks of the Premiership club battled it out at the Pikes' Recreation Ground home to book a place in the final of the county cup against either Scarborough or York City, who play tonight.

But Pikes boss Steve Brown said it was still a close game and that 2-0 'flattered' the Teesside club.

Selby Town also suffered a cup exit when they were knocked out of the West Riding Cup semi-final after a 3-0 Farsley Celtic win courtesy of three second half strikes.

And Goole completed a night of local football woe with in-form Hallam securing their place in the Northern Counties East League Cup semi-finals after a 2-1 win. Adam Wash offered scant consolation with his 90th-minute goal.

Updated: 11:23 Wednesday, March 10, 2004