Harrogate Town assistant boss John Reed defended the shoot-out scenario last night despite watching his side lose the UniBond League Chairman's Cup final in the most heartbreaking circumstances.

Barrow won 3-0 on penalties at Wetherby Road as former Darlington player Lee Ellison, Lee Warren and Scott Mayfield scored their spot-kicks, while 'keeper Simon Bishop pulled off fine saves from Town captain Scott Bairstow, Mike McNaughton and Stefan Zoll.

"I think penalties are the best way to decide things," said Reed.

"I've won finals through penalties before - this is the first shoot-out I've lost. Credit to them as they were cool with their spot-kicks and their keeper's made three magnificent saves.

"I've got no complaints. They took their penalties well whereas ours were poor but it was a magnificent effort from us.

"My only regret was that we had two great chances to win the game."

It was substitute Zoll who had had those opportunities, the first in injury time when he broke clear only to see Bishop deny him with his legs, and the second in extra-time when he failed to get a proper contact when in the clear.

It was 1-1 on both occasions, after Harrogate - the division one underdogs - had netted an 87th-minute equaliser through Craig Elliott after Zoll's shot seemed to be deflected onto the post.

Barrow, riding high in the premier division, contained a number of ex-Football League players, including former York City striker Nicky Pev-erell and ex-Scarborough midfielder Wayne Bullimore, who hit the angle with an extra-time free-kick.

They had been the more accomplished side for most of the game, with Steve Housham also hitting the woodwork on ten minutes.

But their opening goal - Grant Holt poking the ball home on 65 minutes after a scramble - typified the game in its scrappiness, before it sparked into life after the leveller.

Either side could have won it after that, with the visitors, who had had chances to make the game safe in normal time, also going close twice in the added 30 minutes.

"I'm not disappointed at all. They were a wonderful footballing team," said Reed.

"They're the best team we've played at Harrogate by a mile.

"I would have loved to win the trophy for (Town chairman) Mr (Bill) Fotherby but he's got to be a happy man because the lads were great."

Town travel over the Pennines to fifth-placed Trafford for a division one game tomorrow.

Selby Town warm up for their cup final on Tuesday with a trip to fellow mid-table outfit Glasshoughton Welfare in the Northern Counties East League premier division.

Beaten 2-1 by leaders Brigg Town on Wednesday, Selby play second-placed Ossett Albion in the second leg of the President's Cup final at Flaxley Road on Tuesday, having surprisingly won the first leg 2-0.

They will want to get back to form in time for the match, and a win at Glasshoughton would boost confidence following two defeats.

Goole visit Denaby United, while Harrogate Railway will have to do well to end their poor run of results as they face a daunting trip to promotion-seeking Brigg without four first-teamers.

Kevin Smith, who had missed much of the season with a broken leg, is now likely to be out for the rest of the campaign after taking a knock on the same leg during Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Hallam, while Steve Hartley, Lee Barker and skipper Liam Gray, who scored on Wednesday with a free-kick, are all away on holiday.

However, the Railwaymen - who will be hoping their fortunes change soon, as they again fell foul of bad luck on Wednesday when Hallam won the match with a dubious penalty - will have Matt Flynn and Phil Walker back from injury and Danny Ames and Pete Wrigley back from unavailability.

Adam Tye, who was sent off along with a Hallam striker on Wednesday following a bust-up, is unlikely to be suspended for that offence until next season.

Pickering Town will expect to extend their advantage at the top of NCEL division one by taking three points off lowly visitors Winterton.

The Pikes have been boosted by the news that midfielder Alex Wilgrass could return before the end of the season, as his recovery from knee ligament damage suffered in the defeat of Hall Road Rangers ten days ago has speeded up. Meanwhile, Simon Sturdy completes his two-match ban.

A victory for Pickering will aid Tadcaster Albion in their bid to get away from the re-election zone.

Taddy, still bottom, entertain Hatfield Main knowing three points could prove crucial in their plight.

Nestl Rowntree will need to secure victory at Rothwell to keep alive their slim hopes of retaining the West Yorkshire League title (2.30pm), though they also need leaders Carlton to drop points. Gavin Dickinson returns from injury for Jim Collis's men.

Knaresborough Town play host to Aberford Albion (2.30pm) with Shaun Latimer and Paul Hood likely to return to the team in place of youngsters John Chambers and Mark Ibbotson.

York RI boss John Rayner will keep faith with 18-year-old full-back Jimmy Scott, who was promoted from the reserves last week, for the visit of Pontefract Sports and Social.

RI, who won their basement battle with Rothwell on Saturday need another good result to help lift them off the bottom.

Pickering Town Under-19s, who are chasing the Northern U19s Alliance League title, do not have a game this weekend.

Updated: 12:54 Friday, April 20, 2001