Harrogate Town rung the changes and reaped the benefits as they stopped the rot with a 0-0 at Stocksbridge in the UniBond League's first division.

After leaking goals heavily in recent weeks manager Mick Hennigan was helped by the arrival of his new assistant John Reed, from Goole Town.

Reed brought with him Goole centre-back Robert Nevis and experienced midfielder Mark Hine, formerly with Nationwide League clubs Scunthorpe and Darlington, which helped tie up the Sheffield side's attack going.

Going forward they added the midfield punch of Steve Underwood, on loan from Nationwide League third division strugglers Halifax Town, and striker Dominic Blair, signed last week from Otley Town.

And Town more than matched their promotion seeking rivals with Blair unlucky to put them ahead inside 20 minutes when he fired his shot directly at the Stocksbridge keeper after the defence had been prised open by a fine pass form former York City front-runner Iain Dunn.

In the second half Stocksbridge had the better chances but were unable to unlock a resolute Town rearguard.

In the Northern Counties East League Harrogate Railway climbed the premier division ladder as they notched a 2-1 home win over Thackley.

However, it proved to be a struggle for Railway who played the final 40 minutes with only ten men after Mark Smitheringale was dismissed for dissent.

At that stage they held a two-goal lead after Phil Waller and Matt Flynn had shot them in front.

The pressure was increased ten minutes from time when Andy Patterson pulled a goal back for Thackley but the Railwaymen held on.

In division one there was no joy for Tadcaster Albion as they went down 2-0 at Hatfield Main - the South Yorkshiremen's goals coming through David Jones and Jonathan Groome.

And former York City striker Ricardo Gabbiadini produced a telling strike for Pontefract Collieries as they beat Winterton Rangers 1-0.

Selby Town were inactive as their match at Staveley MW was postponed due to water-logging and in the West Yorkshire League's premier division both York RI and Nestle Rowntrees had their games called off.

And Pickering Town's FA Vase march in the FA Vase was delayed as their clash with Marske was another victim of the weather.