CAPTAIN Michael McNaughton was the Harrogate Town hero with a couple of goals in the 3-2 home win over Accrington Stanley to put his side through to the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

In a boisterous tie, full of passion, Town scored twice just before half time to seemingly get a firm grip on the game.

Scott Bonsall rifled the first goal from the edge of the area and McNaughton powered in a header for the second.

But Stanley, who included former Liverpool player Mike Marsh in their ranks, came back just after the break, with two goals in five minutes from Jonathan Smith and Steve Halford.

However, Town showed themselves to be resilient and within seven minutes, McNaughton had headed his second goal with an effort that earned the club another £10,000.

Manager John Reed said: "To be honest, I thought we had got the job done at half time, but Stanley showed why they are such a good side and pushed us all the way.

"But I am delighted that we are now looking up the routes to Wisbech."

The result means that both Harrogate clubs are through to the fourth qualifying round, with Harrogate Railway having already booked their home tie against Marine.

Harrogate Town: Connor, Richardson, McNaughton, Sturdy, Sykes, Marcelle, Bonsall, Donaldson, Morris, Jackson (Whellans 57), Hunter

Accrington Stanley: Speare, Williams, Halford, Smith, Cavanagh, Calcut, Sampson (Black HT), Marsh, Carden, James, Mullin

Referee: P Dunn (St Helens)

Attendance: 601

Updated: 11:04 Wednesday, October 16, 2002