Prescot Cables went down by the only goal to Harrogate in a tightly contested encounter at Hope Street in which scoring opportunities were at a premium.

Manager Dave Powell made three changes from the side which had lost at Ramsbottom in midweek. Kennedy, Shinks and McGann replacing Balazs, Coyle and Howard.

Harrogate kicked off playing towards the Hope Street End and were soon on the attack, Hunter’s cross being headed out by Kennedy for a corner.

The corner taken by Swan was again cleared by the Cables defence for another corner. From the corner taken by Thirkell the ball was played back in to the box by Swan for Thirkell who shot high over the bar. Harrogate forced another four corners in quick succession, but the Cables defence stood firm, defending well against this onslaught from Harrogate.

Cables eventually regained possession and from a long clearance Pinto-Vierra headed on for Bannister whose shot took a deflection and was gathered by Crook in the Harrogate goal. Harrogate won another corner on 11 minutes and from this took the lead, Thirkell heading home from close range past Mottram who managed to get a hand to as it crossed the line.

Cables responded with Bannister playing the ball forward for Kusaloka who produced a good shot on the turn which flashed over the bar. Mottram came to Cables rescue when he won the chase for Haynes back headed pass with Farquharson rushing in.

Cables were awarded a free kick on the left side taken by Foy which was accurately delivered right into the six yard area and headed out by Swan for a corner.

Shortly afterwards Cables won another free kick on the left halfway inside the Harrogate half, and once again Foy produced a fine in swinging free kick which Crook held well under pressure.

Kennedy then produced a great ball over the top for Kusaloka and Gilroy to chase but Harrogate keeper Crook was first to the ball. Harrogate were soon on the attack again and Metcalfe’s shot was pushed away by Mottram and Haynes cleared for a corner.

A long ball from Pinto-Vierra set up Isaac Kusolaka who did well to hold off two defenders but hit his shot weakly at Crook. Kusaloka then had another attempt on goal, turning sharply and firing over the bar.

Cables started the second half having made a change, Balazs replacing Pinto-Vierra. Harrogate restarted, playing a long ball to the left for Hunter whose cross was taken comfortably by Mottram. Cables were awarded a free kick on the left taken by Bannister and was deflected by the Harrogate defence for a corner.

The corner by Gilroy was headed over in front of goal by Shinks. Francis Foy then produced a hard low cross into the box for Kusaloka who just failed to get a touch on it.

After 58 minutes Phil Bannister received a yellow card for shirt tugging. Cables had started the second half brightly and were applying the early pressure. Gilroy Played the ball to Kusaloka inside the penalty area whose shot was saved by Crook as far as Balazs who shot wide of the target.

Cables made their second change, Robinson replacing McGann. Balazs had a shot blocked and then Cables got a free kick on the edge of the box when Kennedy was brought down.

There were appeals from Cables players and supporters for a penalty but the referee ruled that the foul had been committed outside the penalty area.

The free kick by Bannister was headed over from close range by Robinson. Robinson then produced a low cross into the box for Kusaloka who just failed to connect.

The Harrogate defence was holding firm against the Cables attack as they continued to push forward. Robinson tried a long range effort which went high over the bar.

Cables made their third change of the afternoon, Cairns replacing Gilroy. Harrogate eventually managed to get forward out of defence and were awarded a free kick, Ibrahims played the ball into Farquharson whose shot was blocked for a corner.

Harrogate had an opportunity to increase their lead in stoppage time when Katsamidgkas, Farquharson and Metcalfe kinked up on the right, Mottram pushing away Metcalfe’s shot.

Prescot Cables: Mottram, Kennedy, Foy, Shinks, Haynes, Pinto-Viera, McCulloch, Bannister, Kusaloka, McGann, Gilroy. Substitutes: Cairns, Coyle, Balazs, Robinson, Lowton.

Harrogate RA: Crook, Hiza, Swan, Thirkell, Morris, Ibrahims, Youhill, Metcalfe, Cartman, Farquharson, Hunter.

Substitutes: Bromley, Radcliffe, Kidd, Katsamagkas, Michael.