MANAGER John Reed has rated Harrogate Town's dramatic 5-4 penalties victory over Burscough last night as one of the top three performances in his distinguished career.

Town fought back from 2-0 down to snatch a draw in the final seconds, before finishing the job off with spot-kicks to book a place in the FA Cup third qualifying round against Vauxhall Motors.

Town's passage follows that of Harrogate Railway Athletic, who also reached the third qualifying round 24 hours earlier.

Reed, who masterminded Bridlington Town's run to the FA Vase final back in 1990, believes this is one of the best teams he has managed.

"Last night has to rate as one of my top three memorable performances," said Reed. "Obviously I'll always remember leading Bridlington out at Wembley and the FA Vase semi-final, but this is up there.

"The team we've got now is right up there with that Brid' side - there is the same quality of play and players, but it is the fight and the spirit in the side that stands out.

"This side will just not give up, whatever the odds. You'd think that at 2-0 away to a premier division side it'd be 'good night Vienna', but not with this team."

Burscough had built up a 2-0 lead, but skipper Robbie Whellans, who only played after a late fitness test, pulled Town back with a well-taken header.

With time running out, Reed brought Iain Dunn, Matty Albery and Paul Stansfield off the bench and the move worked wonders.

Stansfield fed the ball to Whellans and he provided the cross for former York City striker Dunn to poke it home.

Albery, the live-wire striker with League experience at Plymouth, twice went close in extra time.

After losing the UniBond League Presidents' Cup final 3-0 on penalties to Barrow, there were obvious doubts over the spot-kicks.

But Peter Atkinson, Dunn, Whellans, Mike McNaughton and Albery slotted their efforts home, while Ashley Connor saved Burscough's fourth attempt.

"The Barrow match was obviously very much in the back of the mind - the penalties then were absolutely atrocious - but the lads came through," said Reed.

"After Ashley Connor had saved Burscough's fourth, Matty Albery showed no nerves to stroll home and whack the ball into the top corner. The lad really has got no nerves."

The victory further underlines Harrogate's status as the division one team of the month.

Reed's side have won six and drawn two of their last nine matches, with only Bradford PA managing to beat them.

Updated: 11:42 Wednesday, October 03, 2001