DEBUTANT Tawheed Ahmed scored what proved to be the winning goal for Selby Town as they made a winning return to NCEL division one action against Ollerton Town at the Fairfax Plant Hire Stadium.

Harry Clapham had earlier opened the scoring for the Robins, who saw themselves pegged back before Ahmed struck to ensure that the points remained in North Yorkshire.

A fifth home victory of the campaign elevates Town two places up the standings to 12th, three points behind nearest rivals Louth Town.

Ryan Cooper made three changes from Selby’s home defeat to Athersley Recreation two weeks ago, recalling himself and Dec Racher to the starting line-up alongside new signing Ben Hall.

 Jason St Juste, Jamie Danby and Kyle Fish all dropped out, whilst Ahmed and Josh Lindley bolstered the bench.

Having not played for a fortnight due to the effects of Storms Babet and Ciaran, Town unsurprisingly started slowly.

However, Clapham ultimately got the ball rolling with 13 minutes played, pouncing on a defensive mistake from the visitors before firing a well-taken effort past Alexander Oswin-Roe.

In events reminiscent of Retford and Athersley, Ollerton levelled a mere two minutes later through Jamal Stewart, despite the linesman initially flagging for offside in the build-up.

The tie soon settled back into something of a steady affair, yet Town remained content about their play.

Granted, the visitors offered a level of resistance, staying with the Robins minute for minute as the half wore on.

Clapham came closest to scoring thereafter, having collected 30 yards out only to see his strike flash narrowly over the bar, ensuring the sides remained locked at the interval.

Selby came out with an added impetus after the break as they looked to take hold of the tie.

However, the first opportunity of the half fell the visitors’ way, but they were denied by a strong save from Adam Hewitson.

Town themselves saw a golden opportunity go amiss after a delightful Reagan Fish cross found Cooper free, but he could only fire his header straight at the goalkeeper.

A double change for the Robins came on the hour mark, with Lindley and debutant Ahmed replacing Dan Davison and Cooper.

The former Tadcaster Albion star soon began to showcase his talents with a lovely passage, playing in Roy Fogarty whose effort proved only able to find the side netting.

Amidst their ascendancy, Town could sense that a goal was coming, and they were duly rewarded with a winner on 77 minutes after Ahmed finished off a flowing team move.

Ollerton rallied, and could well have salvaged a late equaliser two minutes from time if not for a superb save from Hewitson to tip the ball over the bar.

However, ultimately, Town were able to remain in control and see out the remainder for victory.