Harrogate's self-belief and winning habit prevailed over Esher's desperation as they secured a 10-8 victory with five minutes remaining in a hard-fought National League Two match at Molesey Road.

Esher had territorial advantage for much of the first half but missed two kickable penalties and an attempted drop goal.

After 25 minutes, Esher prop Jeff Smith touched down following a driving maul from a lineout five metres from the Harrogate line.

Esher fly-half Sam Barnett was having an off day with the boot and missed the conversion but made amends with a successful penalty before half-time, which was matched by one from his opposite number Lee Cholewa to make the half time score 8-3 to Esher.

Both sides cancelled each other out for much of the game, with some fierce running and tackling, and for long periods it looked as though this could well be the final score.

But when Harrogate moved into Esher territory they always looked dangerous and, following some probing kicks from Cholewa and full-back Smithies, the forwards were able to exert some pressure on the Esher line.

And with the clock ticking down, centre Barker used his strength and guile to carry over two tacklers and touch down for the winning score, which Cholewa converted with only five minutes remaining.

This game - with Harrogate lying second from the top of the table beating the team second from the bottom by only two points - illustrated the closeness of the competition in this league.

Harrogate will need to show the same self-belief and determination to overcome the improving Nottingham, who provide their next opposition at Claro Road.

Updated: 12:19 Monday, December 01, 2003