Selby Town returned to winning ways in the Northern Counties East Premier Division with a thrilling 3-2 win over Harrogate Railway at Flax-ley Road.

It was Selby's first Northern Counties East League premier division win since December and ended Railway's run of five successive victories.

Selby started the game well and played some good football on a difficult surface but Railway's more direct style proved to be more effective and they took the lead after 35 minutes through Steve Davey.

In an action packed second half the Robins continued to knock the ball around well and they equalised in the 67th minute when an Andy Hart cross was headed in at the far post by Alan Jackson.

Railway responded well and they regained the lead four minutes later thanks to a Ian Hart goal.

Substitute Peter Collier had an immediate effect on the game and his pass put Mike Amos through to put Selby level with a neat finish in the 75th minute.

The Robins grabbed the winner with just five minutes remaining when Peter Collier curled in a free kick to the far post and Dominic Moyles netted with a diving header.

With PICKERING TOWN'S game at Eccleshill falling foul of the weather, GOOLE lost 2-1 at home to Thackle with all the goals coming inside the last five minutes.

Goole had keeper John Hood dismissed for handling outside his area on 25 minutes.

Central defender Mike Trotter took over in goal and was unbeaten until the 86th minute when Andy Taylor scored.

Amjad Iqbal added a second three minutes later but there was still time for Stuart Baldwin to grab a consolation goal just before the end for Goole.

In the NCEL division one, Tadcaster Albion surprised hosts Hatfield Main by winning 4-2.

Goals from Mark Hick, Steve Batley, Dave Gilk and Rod Howley secured the points for Wayne Day's men.

In the West Yorkshire League, Nestle Rowntrees were held to a 3-3 draw at Nostell Miners' Welfare.

Brent Terry (2) and Lee Bond were the scorers as second-placed Trees lost ground on leaders Whitkirk, who won 5-2 against Mount St Mary's.

Knaresborough Town consolidated their position in mid-table with a 2-0 win over Armley Athletic courtesy of goals from Colin Darvill and Patrick McDaid.

In the UniBond League first division, Harrogate Town's home clash with Rossendale United was postponed due to a water-logged pitch.

Updated: 11:55 Monday, February 04, 2002