SCARBOROUGH slipped to their third successive defeat when they were beaten 3-1 by Southport at Hague Avenue last night.

A Chris Tate volley from a Steve Brodie cross gave 'Boro the perfect start after just two minutes.

But within five minutes Southport were level when Paul Ellender conceded a free kick on the edge of the area and Stuart Whittaker's shot was deflected past a stranded Andy Woods.

Half way through the first period Southport took the lead.

Former Guiseley player Simon Parke and Whittaker made progress in the penalty area before Simon Betts hauled Whittaker to the floor with a clumsy challenge. Ian Arnold scored from the spot.

The second half was a sterile midfield battle, but Scarborough's defensive frailties were once again exposed when Parke got the better of Marcus Jones to race away and score a glorious third goal.

Neil Thompson said after the game: "Its no use pretending that all the trouble at the club has not affected the players because it has.

"But we have got to carry on and fight our way out of this bad patch."

Southport: Dickinson, Macauley, Linighan, Guyett, Bolland, Grayston, Marsh, Gouck, Whittaker (Stuart 71), Arnold, Parkes (Maamria 71).

Scarborough: Woods, Betts, Ingram, Jones, Ellender, Brunton, Pounder (Morris 64), Stoker, Williams, Tate, Brodie.

Referee: K Miller (Northumberland).

Attendance: 1,269.

Harrogate Town slumped to their fifth successive UniBond League division one defeat, losing 4-0 at home to Ossett Albion.

A hat-trick by Scott Jackson, including two penalties, sealed Town's fate with former Harrogate player Mark Wilson rubbing salt into the wounds by scoring on 54 minutes.

Selby Town booked their place in the next round of the FA Cup after a surprise 2-0 win over UniBond League outfit Winsford United in last night's preliminary round replay.

Goole's Northern Counties East League premier division encounter with Brigg Town was postponed with Brigg in action tonight against Billingham in an FA Cup preliminary round replay.

The draw for the West Riding County Cup:

Round one: Ossett Town v Armthorpe Welfare Glasshoughton Welfare v Harrogate Town

Round two: Eccleshill v Guiseley, Farsley v Hatfield, Glasshoughton or Harrogate Town v Garforth, Liversedge v Ossett Town or Armthorpe, Ossett Albion v Harrogate Railway, Selby Town v Goole, Tadcaster v Thackley, Yorkshire Amateurs v Bradford PA