Pickering Town's Northern Counties East League division one title challenge took a severe dent at the hands of in-from Borrowash Victoria.

First and second-half strikes from Richard Jowitt upset table-toppers Pickering's hopes of stretching their lead over second-placed Victoria, who have lost just once all season and have a number of games in hand.

Pikes manager Jimmy Reid had few complaints.

"We played some decent football but they are a big strong side and personally I think they will win the league," he said.

The bitterness of defeat was eased slightly by struggling Tadcaster Albion, who took points off fellow title challengers Mickleover Sports.

Bevan Hudson struck ten minutes into the second half for the home side but with just three minutes left on the clock Martin Sharpe grabbed a deserved equaliser for Wayne Day's men.

Despite putting up a brave fight, Selby Town went down 2-0 at home to NCEL Premier Division leaders Ossett Albion.

The Robins were up against it from the start after Lee Bradley netted after just two minutes.

Selby had chances to equalise before Albion made sure of their win when Colin Williamson put the game beyond the Robins' reach 17 minutes from time.

Harrogate Railway remain level on 25 points in mid-table with Selby after losing at home to Sheffield to bring their nine-match unbeaten run to an end.

The visitors to Station View scored twice in the last eight minutes through John Pickles and Mick Godber to snatch the points.

Third-placed Goole lost ground on Ossett Albion with their 1-1 draw at lowly Buxton but will be grateful for a point after Graham Poole opened the scoring for the home side.

A Craig Burdick equaliser ensured at least a share of the spoils.

Updated: 12:08 Monday, January 29, 2001