Harrogate Town returned to the winning trail in spectacular fashion after a Mark Atkins wondergoal at Wetherby Road last night.

The 1-0 UniBond League premier division win at home to Alfreton lifts them out of their recent barren spell which saw just one point taken from a possible six, and puts them back into third place just four points behind leaders Hucknall.

Delighted manager John Reed said: "It was terrific. I was so pleased because I got a great response from the lads in what was a must-win game for us."

Atkins' rocket free-kick from 22 yards out on 30 minutes was the highlight of the game, which had also seen Mark Ford hit the post and on-loan York City forward Aron Wilford go close on a number of occasions in an impressive first outing at Wetherby Road.

Goole AFC were nudged out of the Northern Counties East League President's Cup by top six Eastwood Town after a 115th-minute winner.

Cameron Stuart had put visitors Goole in front after eight minutes before Wael Nazha netted the equaliser that would take the tie beyond 90 minutes seven minutes later.

The teams remained deadlocked until Peter Knox struck with five minutes left to send Eastwood through to the final where they will face Thackley.

Updated: 10:32 Wednesday, February 18, 2004