Harrogate Town new signing Mark Barnard helped the Unibond League title hopefuls to an excellent 3-1 victory over Southport.

Barnard was signed by Town boss John Reed after he read on Teletext that the former Darlington and Doncaster left back had been released by Conference club Northwich Victoria.

Barnard responded by setting up Saturday's opening goal with a pinpoint cross that was headed in by James Turley.

Mark Smith then converted Colin Hunter's cross top double the home side's lead before the break but Southport pulled a goal back when the unlucky Neil Aspin scored an own goal. Turley made the points safe on 72 minutes.

Harrogate have arranged a friendly for tomorrow against a Huddersfield Town side that will include several first-team players. Kick off is 7.30pm and the admission price has been reduced.

Harrogate Railway had to settle for a point in their Northern Counties East League premier division home match with Borrowash Victoria despite playing against ten men for more than half of the game.

Lyle Hillier fired Railway in front and a visitors' player was then sent off for an elbowing incident on Jason Day.

But Borrowash levelled after the break and Hillier then had two appeals for a penalty rejected.

Updated: 12:44 Monday, November 24, 2003