Harrogate Town went into today's home visit of Spennymoor heartened by keeping their distance over their nearest UniBond League first division title challengers.

Town travelled to Ossett Town on Saturday and held their keenest foes in check for a goal-less draw that maintained the leaders' 12-point advantage over their hosts.

Defences were the dominant force in the few-thrills collision with Harrogate indebted to a back-line cordon of former Leeds United lynchpin Neil Aspin, one-time Scarborough defender Mick McNaughton and current Pickering Town target Chris Hudson.

Pickering Town were meanwhile kicking themselves for a double gaffe at Glapwell as they chase a high finish in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

The Pikes were well in control when a minute into the second half the prolific Stefan Zoll scored to add to Matty Morton's first half strike.

But then in the space of five minutes midway through the second half Pickering's defence was breached twice leaving them to share the spoils.

The Pikes' mood will have been slightly improved by Harrogate Railway Athletic's creditable 1-1 draw with leaders Alfreton Town.

After having Ian Hart sent off The Rail countered with Steve Davey's 33rd goal of the season and were only pegged back 15 minutes from time.

Selby Town crashed 2-1 at Hallam where Lee Morris was twice on target in the opening 20 minutes.

Though Ryan Carmody pulled a goal back before half-time the injury-hit Robins could not force a leveller.

Tadcaster Albion went down 3-0 at home to Brigg Town in the NCEL first division.

Over in the West Yorkshire League premier division Nestl Rowntree beat hosts Knaresborough Town 6-3.

Updated: 11:39 Monday, April 01, 2002