PICKERING Town's under-fire players responded to manager Jimmy Reid's rallying call to book their place in the third round of the FA Vase after a 3-0 win at Woodley Sports.

Reid had warned his players many of them were 'drinking in the last chance saloon' after a surprise 2-0 defeat to struggling Liversedge in the Northern Counties East League premier division just seven days earlier.

With the axe hovering into view, the Pikes responded perfectly then to see off Stockport-based Sports, who play in the North Western Counties League.

"It was a far better performance and it seems a few of them have now woken up," said Reid.

"We are into the last 64 now and it is onwards and upwards."

A first-half goal from Phil O'Reilly, firing home an Alex Willgrass corner, set the Pikes on their way before Willgrass doubled the advantage from the penalty spot in the second-half after Gavin Dickinson had been hauled down.

Man of the match Dickinson also had a decisive hand in Pickering's final goal, playing in Stefan Zoll, who coolly slotted home.

Pickering and Reid were further boosted by the form of debutant Mark Willoughby, who came on for the final 15 minutes after stepping up from the reserves.

"He certainly never looked out of place," said Reid.

Harrogate Railway's hopes of joining Pickering in the third round were ended by West Auckland Town.

Railway fought hard all the way but went out after extra-time as Roy Allen hit a hat-trick for the visitors. Steve Haddon replied for Railway.

In the NCEL premier division, Selby Town picked up a useful away point with a 0-0 draw at Armthorpe that keeps them top.

Although there were no goals it was an entertaining game with both sides creating chances.

Selby produced the better football and Nigel Oldfield hit the post in the 10th minute with a good shot.

Peter Collier and Nigel Croad combined well on the edge of the box but Croad's shot was blocked by the legs of keeper Hayes.

Pat Gaughan and Collier both shot narrowly wide as the Robins finished the first half well on top.

At the start of the second, Selby continued to knock the ball around well with Oldfield and substitute Matty Wain both going close to opening the scoring.

The home side began to create problems for the Selby defence in the final 20 minutes and keeper Craig Code had to make three superb saves to earn Selby a point.

Harrogate Town moved into fourth place in the UniBond League first division table after their 3-0 win at Gretna.

Town are now just seven points off the top spot and have three games in hand on leaders Radcliffe Borough.

Striker Robbie Whellans, who passed a late fitness test prior to the long trip north, had the most decisive hand in keeping Harrogate's promotion hopes on track with two goals.

He bagged his first on ten minutes then got his second to seal victory in the 83rd minute after Scott Bonsall had doubled Town's advantage just past the hour mark.

Talented Doncaster Rovers youngster Robert Gill, 19, made a pleasing debut for John Reed's men.

On loan for a month, Gill should make his home debut tomorrow night when Town entertain bottom club Ossett Albion, kick-off 7.45pm.

In division one of the NECL, Tadcaster Albion's bid to build on a couple of steady performances in recent weeks ended at Winterton Rangers.

Albion had shown great resilience to keep the scores level for almost an hour but a superb volley from Phil Doyle broke the deadlock in the home-side's favour.

Ian Ritchie added a second to seal the points for Winterton.

In West Yorkshire League premier division, Nestle Rowntree's moved into second place in the table with a comfortable 5-2 win at Horsforth St Margaret's.

Steve Ward showed the way with four goals with former York City junior Rob Ellis also getting on the scoresheet.

Despite the win, champions Trees still have it all to do if they are to retain their title.

They remain four points adrift of leaders Carlton Athletic, who recorded a 3-1 win at Beeston, and have also played a game more than the table-toppers.

Elsewhere in the premier division, Knaresborough Town were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Whitkirk Wanderers.

In the West Yorkshire League first division, York RI's new management team of Dave Cussons and Stuart Kelly were given a baptism of fire as RI fell victim to sharp-shooters Howden Clough, losing 8-3.

* A goal two minutes from time denied York City's intermediates a Youth Alliance North East Conference win at Grimsby Town.

With the game scoreless at half-time, a second-half goal from Peter Vasey had seemingly set City on the road to victory only for Town to grab their late leveller.

Updated: 12:19 Monday, November 12, 2001