TWO goals either side of half time from defensive failures shattered Harrogate Town's hopes of leapfrogging third-placed Northwich Victoria.

The Nationwide North top-four battle was decided after The Vics capitalised on two defensive errors to stretch the gap over Town from two points to five.

The first came when possession was turned over in the midfield for Stuart Elliott to supply Mark Devlin in the box with less than a minute until half time.

And Carlos Roca lapped up further problems at the back in the 50th minute to double Vics' advantage.

Harrogate's best chances had come from Danny Holland, who headed over the bar from a Lee Philpott free kick in the first half hour, and Chris Ellerker, who had a header cleared off the line.

Updated: 09:52 Wednesday, January 25, 2006