Harrogate Town chairman Bill Fotherby defied his age to sprint on to the pitch to congratulate his side on their promotion-clinching 4-3 victory over Belper last night.

Former Leeds United chairman Fotherby, who has turned the club around since taking over the reigns of the Wetherby Roaders, could barely contain his delight as he joined the Town players in celebrating promotion to the UniBond League premier division.

But it took stern words at half-time from boss John Reed to ensure his side overturned a 2-1 half-time deficit to win.

Reed, who is now closing in on his eighth title as a manager, told the Evening Press: "It was one of those wonderful nights - you just have to enjoy it as you don't get too many of those in football.

"But I had to give the lads the biggest rollicking of my life at half-time - I went doolally at them, but they responded brilliantly.

"In the first half we looked like a bottom of the table team, but in the second we looked like champions."

Michael Ord had given Harrogate a second-minute lead, only for Belper to hit back in scintillating form to lead 2-1 at the break.

Robbie Whellans equalised only for Belper to retake the lead, but 18-year-old substitute Darren Fell fired Town level again and then set Whellans up for the winner.

Reed's men can now seal the title on Saturday when they entertain second-placed Ossett Town at Wetherby Road.

Updated: 11:51 Wednesday, April 10, 2002